Bald Cypress

In warmer climates, the stately Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) thrives in wet areas where it can reach 100 ft. However, this is a highly adaptable tree and does not require wet soil. Once established, it will tolerate a variety of soil situations, including dry soil.

The tree has a graceful appearance with featherlike needles that emerge chartreuse in the spring and turn to a richer green. In the fall, the needles turn bronze and shed in the winter. The exfoliating cinnamon-colored bark also adds appeal.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, these trees would grow smaller, especially in a garden setting. However, a large garden would certainly be recommended.

It is common to see these trees growing in water. They are especially common in southern bayous and swamps. Older trees growing in water develop “knees” around the base of the trunk. These are knobby projections measuring 3-4 feet and appear as above-ground extensions of the tree’s roots. These benefit the tree by increasing aeration of oxygen.

The Bald Cypress is truly a tree for a place of distinction.

Bald Cypress tree growing in water (Photo by Photo credit: oneroadlucky on VisualHunt)

The tree’s knees (Photo by scott1346 on Visualhunt)

Fall foliage (Photo by Daniel Arrhakis on Visualhunt.com)

Trees in our nursery (Photo by Phillip Oliver)