A deciduous conifer with a pyramidal form. Medium-fine, needle-like leaves are soft green in summer then turn rusty brown in winter and drop from the tree. Reddish brown fibrous bark. Forms woody knees in shallow water and in wet poorly drained soil. Great choice for heavy clay soils or urban plantings where soil oxygen is low.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichum
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Orange, Red, Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data


Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High

Nature Attracting

Wildlife Benefit
Nesting

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
50 to
130
feet
Spread:
20 to
30
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
130
feet
Spread: 20 to
30
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
130
feet
Spread: 20 to
30
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Excellent specimen tree for large spaces or around wet areas. Very nice in groupings around lakes.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Tolerates a wide range of conditions ranging from relatively dry soil to wet soil and standing water.
Special Features
Special Usage
Rainscaping, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.