treeN. America Native

Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived tree

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxodium distichum, or bald cypress, is a long-lived, pyramidal deciduous conifer native to southeastern US wetlands, known for its feathery foliage, buttressed trunk, and tolerance of standing water. 'Mickelson', sold as Shawnee Brave™, is a superior selection with a dense, symmetrical, and distinctly narrow pyramidal form, making it better suited for urban landscapes and smaller spaces than the species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Shawnee Brave™ offers a majestic, formal silhouette with its narrow, upright habit. Its soft, feathery green foliage is beautiful in summer and turns a stunning coppery or russet-orange in autumn before dropping to reveal an attractive reddish-brown bark.

Its tight form makes it an excellent choice for lining avenues, driveways, or for use in urban settings where space is limited. Its tolerance of both flooding and drought (once established) makes it a resilient and versatile landscape tree.

Bald cypress trees are valuable for wildlife, providing nesting sites for birds of prey and habitat for other animals. The seeds are a food source for wild turkeys, wood ducks, and squirrels. They are also excellent for erosion control and stormwater management.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun for best growth and form.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Place the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with native soil, watering to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly and consistently for the first growing season.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

While famous for tolerating swamps, it grows best in moist, well-drained soil and is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample water, especially during establishment and dry spells.
Give it plenty of room to grow tall.
Allow lower limbs to remain, as they contribute to trunk taper and strength.
Appreciate its unique texture and seasonal color changes.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade, which will result in a thin, weak tree.
Avoid planting too close to buildings or power lines due to its height.
Don't be alarmed when it drops its needles in fall; it's a deciduous conifer.
Don't expect prominent 'knees' (pneumatophores) unless planted in or near water.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately vertical specimen for large lawnsExcellent street tree due to its narrow formPerfect for rain gardens and wet soil areas

Companion Plants

Betula nigra 'Heritage' Cephalanthus occidentalis Hibiscus moscheutos Panicum virgatum Asclepias incarnata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress questions

What zones can Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress grow in?

Shawnee Brave 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 Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress deer resistant?

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

When does Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress bloom?

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

Does Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress need full sun?

Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.