Taxodium distichum, Bald cypress

By: Jack Zuber

View of Bald cypress cones and foliage Photos by Jack Zuber

Taxodium distichum, more commonly known as bald cypress, is a member of the Cupressaceae family, which is a family of conifers found all over the world. Other common names of bald cypress include swamp cypress, white cypress, tidewater red cypress, gulf cypress and red cypress. Bald cypress is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern united states spanning from Texas to Florida but can be found as far north as Virginia. It is often found along banks of rivers as well as in dense swampy areas in the southern United States. (Wilhite, L., T.J.,1965)

Bald cypress is a large, slow growing tree, which can reach heights of approximately 35-120 feet tall and have a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 3-6 feet. The tree has a pyramidal crown structure comprised of linear needles (leaves) less than 1 inch in length which are bi-pinnately compound. These needles grow on twigs from the tree which are alternately arranged. The cones of the bald cypress do not resemble the cones of other member of the Cupressaceae family; instead they are small round structures which are green at first appearance and then turn to more woody material as they progress through the season. The bark is reddish in appearance and can grey as it is exposed to different weather conditions (Virginia Tech Dendrology, 2019). It can also have a peely and fibrous appearance in some locations. The tree's base is often buttressed or wider than the trunk itself. Bald cypress is commonly known for having “knees” or portions of roots which protrude from the ground around the base of the tree when planted in swampy, wet regions. The reason for the appearance of these knees is not known exactly but some researchers say that they may be for root aeration, similar to what a snorkel does for humans.  A knee serves to get oxygen to the roots as often bald cypress are located in and around water. 

Bald cypress along the banks of Cibolo creek at the Cibolo Nature Center, Boerne, TX. Photo by Jack Zuber

Often found in USDA hardiness zones 7–9, bald cypress is a species sited for warmer climates in the southern United States. Bald cypress are a common ornamental tree throughout the southern United States due to their pleasing aesthetic appearance and fragrance. The trees typically like acidic soils, which have high water contents; however, they can also survive in more alkaline soils, although they are prone to becoming chlorotic or yellowing of the leaves in alkaline soils, which can be treated with a soil amendments and proper tree fertilization applied by a professional. In the southeastern states Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides is a common moss that grows on bald cypress and gives the trees a droopy, swamp-like appearance, which is popular across the southeast at plantation style homes. When planted ornamentally bald cypress must be watered regularly, especially in alkaline soils. The tree itself is best grown around a body of water whether that be a pond, lake, or river as it is a very hydric sited species. 

Bald cypress are a great native tree and when planted correctly provide a nice addition to a landscape.

Large Bald cypress along the banks of the Guadalupe river on the Schumacher Ranch in Hunt, TX. Photo by Jack Zuber

 Virginia Tech Dendrology. (2019). Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=117

 Wilhite, L., & Toliver, J. (1965). Baldcypress. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/taxodium/distichum.htm