Bald Cypress — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Taxodium distichum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 30–90 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 3650–10950 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 1524–2133.6 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | High |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant Taxodium distichum in full sun in moist to wet, acidic soil — it tolerates standing water, drought once established, alkaline soils, and urban conditions, making it one of the most adaptable large trees in its range; young trees benefit from regular watering for the first 1–2 years, after which they become remarkably tough and self-sufficient. Bald Cypress is among the most iconic trees of the American South — the defining image of Gulf Coast bayous, cypress swamps, and river floodplains — yet it is equally at home in ordinary garden soil and among the most pest- and disease-resistant of all large deciduous trees. Growing 50–70 feet tall with a buttressed base, strongly vertical form, and spectacular fine-textured, feathery foliage, it provides outstanding summer shade and brilliant fall color (unusual for a tree this adapted to tropical Gulf Coast conditions). The famous 'knees' — woody projections from roots that emerge above the waterline — appear primarily in flooded conditions and are thought to provide oxygen to waterlogged roots. Ancient specimens exceed 600 years old; the Montezuma Cypress (Taxodium mucronatum) of Mexico is related and evergreen. Bald Cypress is an ideal large specimen tree for rain gardens, pond edges, low-lying areas, and urban street plantings where other trees fail.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · taxodium-distichum
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0