TreeRM

Bald cypress

Taxodium distichum 路 Cupressaceae 路 also Baldcypress, Swamp cypress

A deciduous conifer with soft, feathery leaves that turn rusty orange before dropping, a straight tapered trunk and, in wet ground, the famous knees. It is one of the longest-lived trees in North America and is a natural along Austin creeks and lakes. On dry, rocky, alkaline ground it struggles and scorches, so match it to moist, deep soil.

ConiferMedium growthSun or part shadeModerate water
Bald cypress
, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it stands

Native

This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 United States 路 Also native in: IL, IN, KY, MD, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA (USDA PLANTS distribution)source
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 AL, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 AR, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 FL, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 GA, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 LA, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 MS, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 NC, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 OK, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 SC, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TN, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United Statessource

Recommended

A city, utility or extension service lists it among the trees it approves for planting here.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Sacramento, CA, United States 路 On the Sacramento Tree Foundation Shady 80 recommended trees listsource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Washington, DC, United States 路 On the Casey Trees Tree Rebate eligible species listsource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Atlanta, GA, United States 路 On the Trees Atlanta Top 50 Atlanta Trees listsource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 New York, NY, United States 路 On the NYC Parks Street Tree Planting Approved Species Listsource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Austin, TX, United States 路 On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Cypress, Bald' for riparian/moist, deep soil or poor drainage conditions only; obtain plants of western seed source.source
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Dallas, TX, United States 路 On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree Listsource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Houston, TX, United States 路 On the City of Houston Planning and Development Department Street Tree Listsource

Care

Water generously through establishment and in dry summers; it is happiest where its roots can reach moisture. In Central Texas choose trees from a western Texas seed source, which tolerate lime better. Little pruning is needed. Knees may appear in lawns near water; bagworms and spider mites are the usual pests.

Benefits

Flood tolerantLong livedFall colorWildlifeBirdsStorm resistantShade

Good for

StreambanksparksYard shadeStreet tree

Watch out for

Surface roots