Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Taxodium distichum or Bald cypress

The genus Taxodium, Cupressaceae family, comprises 3 species of trees native to the US and Mexico: Taxodium distichum, Taxodium mucronatum, Taxodium ascendens.

Common names: Bald cypress, Swamp Cypress. This species is native to the southeastern United States.

They are pyramidal trees with aerial roots that allow them to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. The leaves are small (2 cm/0.78"), linear in shape, deciduous and turn reddish in autumn. The flowers have no ornamental interest. They produce small green cones in the shape of a globe 3 cm (1.18") in diameter.

Bald cypress is used in very humid places in the garden: next to a river or in a pond.

Taxodium distichum requires full sun or semi-shade exposure.

The soil must contain abundant organic matter and retain moisture very well; limestone soils is not resistant. The transplant will be done in the fall or spring.

Swamp Cypress needs a lot of water; plant in flooded areas (lakes or ponds) to avoid having to water.

Fertilize before planting with compost and mineral fertilizer.

Bald cypress does not need pruning.

Taxodium distichum is a very resistant tree to the usual pests and diseases.

Swamp Cypress is propagated by cuttings in mid-summer and from seeds sown in spring.

Images of the tree Taxodium distichum or Bald cypress