Bald cypress is native to wetlands from Delaware south to Florida and Texas and west into Missouri. This southern native grows happily in cultivation in much colder climates, as far north as Minnesota, New York and even in southern Canada. Both bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and its close relation pond cypress (T. distichum var. imbricarium) are often naturally found in mixed company, with bald cypress usually growing directly in water and pond cypress growing just uphill.
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This species is well known for developing knobby knees that protrude from surrounding water or extremely moist soil. Bald cypress doesn’t need standing water to grow and tends to produce fewer cypress knees in normal landscape conditions. Actually, when grown in a lawn that is mowed regularly, bald cypress may not grow knees at all.
Height and Habit
Bald cypress is an impressive tree that will grow to nearly 100 feet in height in its natural habitat, although it usually maxes out somewhere between 50 and 70 feet tall in most landscape conditions. Young trees have a pyramidal habit that opens up to a more open and even flat-topped form in old age.
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Foliage and Bark
Arching, semi-pendulous branches are covered with delicate feathery needles. Brilliant lime green new growth softens to sage. Bald cypress is one of just a few deciduous conifers, which means that its foliage will take on a rusty color in the autumn before dropping for the winter. Once the leaves are gone, the attractive fibrous red-brown bark is even more noticeable, making this a beautiful addition to the winter landscape.
Bald cypress grows well in normal soils, but it thrives in poorly drained, wet conditions where many other common landscape trees fail. This stately tree looks magnificent next to water, so if your property borders a river, pond or lake, that’s the perfect spot to plant your bald cypress. This species is also an excellent tree for windy conditions. The extensive root system anchors well into the soil and prevents high winds from tipping the tree.
Bald cypress is an impressive shade tree that needs plenty of room to grow. Compact and narrow columnar varieties are available for smaller yards. Check the plant label for spacing recommendations, and remember to avoid planting too close to power lines where utility companies may need to trim the canopy for clearance.