Taxodium

taxodium

( tacks - OH - dee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of deciduous and evergreen trees are commonly called Cypress. These trees need full sun and have varying water needs. They are hardy conifers and have shaggy, cinnamon-colored bark and flat, green needles. Cones are small and rounded.

taxodium Species and Varietals

The genus Taxodium includes between one and three species, and is a member of the plant family Cupressaceae. Taxodium growing zones vary, depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Taxodium ascendens (Pond Cypress)
This species of deciduous conifer is native to North America, where it prefers to grow in moist environments. These trees reach an average of 50-60 feet tall and spread 15-30 feet wide. Trunks are expanded at the base, even in younger specimens.

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)
Best in zones 2-10 and 12-24, and native to the southeastern United States, this deciduous species reaches 100 feet tall and about half as wide. In gardens, they are more commonly seen topping out around 50-70 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide. Foliage is feathery and delicate. Overall color is a yellow-green, and turns orange-brown before dropping. Can take lots of moisture.

'Cascade Falls'
This variety has a weeping habit, and reaches 20 feet tall and wide.

'Green Whisper'
Bright green, soft foliage.

'Shawnee Brave'
Narrow tree with a pyramid-shape, just 15-25 feet wide.

'Peve Minaret'
Compact, dwarf variety to 5 feet tall. Spire-form with tiered branches.

Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Cypress)
This species is evergreen in mild climates and deciduous in cooler regions, and does best in zones 5-9 and 12-24. It is native to Mexico and quickly grows to 40 feet in about 14 years, and then climbs more slowly to a height of 75 feet tall and reaches 50 feet wide. Graceful, weeping habit with finer, lighter foliage. In cooler fall temperatures, foliage will turn gold. Great as a lawn tree.