tree RHS AwardN. America Native

Bald Cypress

Name: Bald Cypress
Brand: Taxodium
Availability: InStock

Taxodium distichum

$36.99

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

840 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to Wet

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, long-lived, deciduous conifer with a distinctive pyramidal shape that becomes more irregular with age. It features soft, feathery, light-green needles that turn a rich russet-orange in fall before dropping. Famous for its 'knees' (pneumatophores), which are woody projections that grow upward from the roots in wet conditions, thought to aid in oxygen exchange. It is highly tolerant of flooding and saturated soils.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A highly architectural tree with fine-textured foliage, beautiful russet fall color, and an impressive winter silhouette. The buttressed trunk and potential for 'knees' add unique character.

The wood is famously resistant to rot and decay, making it valuable for outdoor construction. It's an excellent choice for stabilizing soil on riverbanks and in wet, boggy areas.

Provides critical habitat and food in wetland ecosystems. The seeds are eaten by wild turkeys, wood ducks, and squirrels. Large trees provide nesting sites for birds of prey.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$36.99

Nature Hills

In Stock$92.91

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$109.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with moist, acidic soil
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball
Set the tree with the root flare at or slightly above soil level
Backfill with native soil, gently firming it down
Water thoroughly after planting to eliminate air pockets
Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it away from the trunk

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with consistently moist to wet soil for best performance and development of characteristic knees.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample water, especially when young or in upland sites.
Allow plenty of space for its large mature size.
Appreciate its unique seasonal changes, including needle drop in fall.

Don't

Do not plant in dry, alkaline soils.
Do not be alarmed when it drops its needles; it is a deciduous conifer.
Avoid planting too close to sidewalks where emerging knees could cause damage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic specimen for wet areas or pondsidesStately park or large lawn treeEffective for erosion control on banks

Companion Plants

Nyssa sylvatica Itea virginica Clethra alnifolia Iris versicolor Cephalanthus occidentalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bald Cypress questions

What zones can Bald Cypress grow in?

Bald Cypress is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bald Cypress deer resistant?

Yes — Bald Cypress is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bald Cypress bloom?

Bald Cypress typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bald Cypress need full sun?

Bald Cypress does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.