Care of the tree Taxodium mucronatum or Montezuma cypress |
The genus Taxodium, Cupressaceae family, comprises 3 species of trees native to the US and Mexico: Taxodium mucronatum, Taxodium distichum, Taxodium ascendens. Common names: Montezuma bald cypress, Montezuma cypress, Ahuehuete. This species is native to Mexico. They are large trees that reach 50 meters (164 feet) in height. The small, linear leaves are bright light green and are usually perennial (if the weather is cold they become deciduous). They produce long hanging spikes of male cones in fall. Montezuma bald cypress is used in public parks or in large gardens. It resists pollution from cities well. Taxodium mucronatum needs full sun exposure and high temperatures. It resists occasional frosts. The soil must contain abundant organic matter and not be limestone. Water regularly throughout the year so that the soil is always slightly damp but without waterlogging. Fertilize with organic and mineral fertilizer at the time of planting and with manure in autumn. Ahuehuete does not need pruning. Taxodium mucronatum is a tree very resistant to pests and diseases. Montezuma bald cypress is propagated from seeds sown in spring or by cuttings in summer. |
Images of the tree Taxodium mucronatum or Montezuma cypress |