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Mertensia virginica en masse.
Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free
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Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress, Baldcypress)

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) foliage detail in May. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2018-05-28, Glencarlyn Library Community Garden.
Female strobili of Taxodium distichum
Bald Cypress
Fruit clusters of Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) in October.
Galbuli and seeds of Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) in October.
Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) knees in October. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2015-10-25, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) in November
Fluting of native Taxodium distichum (bald cypress, baldcypress)

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Taxodium distichum, Bald Cypress Tree Height: 50–70 feet Spread: 20–35 feet Bloom Color: Brown Characteristics Long-lived, deciduous conifer with pyramidal to conical shape and a trunk that tapers into a broad, fluted base Soft, needle-like yellow-green leaves arranged like feathers Brown, tassel-like flowers in March and April Spherical, leathery, green cones, ripen to brown from October to December and shatter into irregular seeds Foliage turns orange, cinnamon, copper in fall Fissured red-brown-gray bark with stringy texture Attributes Tolerates clay soil, wet soil, heat, strong winds, and air pollution No serious pests or diseases; deer rarely-to- seldom severely damageProvides food for waterfowl and squirrels and nesting sites for Yellow-Throated Warbler, Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, Osprey, and herons Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Acidic Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist, Wet It is often planted outside of its native range, which is along the southeastern and Gulf coasts and the lower Mississippi River up to IL. In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is not native to DC and is rare in the DE Coastal Plain and in PA. It is native to the southern portions of MD. In VA, it is locally common along the Coastal Plain and rare in the outer southern Piedmont. It is not native to NoVA. Use as ornamental lawn tree for large landscapes or in wet areas or in rain gardens (> 150 sq. feet) Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9 Excellent Replacement for trees that don’t like water!

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress, Baldcypress)

Found along wet stream banks, swamps, and river bottoms, Bald Cypress* has a root system, which often produces irregular structures called “knees” that rise above the ground or water’s surface. The tree is referred to as “bald” since it is deciduous, losing its foliage in the winter.

*It is often planted outside of its native range, which is along the southeastern and Gulf coasts and the lower Mississippi River up to IL. In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is not native to DC and is rare in the DE Coastal Plain and in PA. It is native to the southern portions of MD. In VA, it is locally common along the Coastal Plain and rare in the outer southern Piedmont. It is not native to NoVA.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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