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Taxodium distichum

swamp cypress

A deciduous coniferous tree to 20m or more, with a conical crown, fibrous red-brown bark and soft, feathery, light green foliage turning rich yellow-brown in autumn. Small ovoid cones

Other common names
bald cypress
deciduous cypress
see moresabino tree
southern cypress
white cypress
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Red Green Green
Summer Brown Red Green Brown
Autumn Brown Red Brown Yellow
Winter Brown Red
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Taxodium are tall deciduous trees, narrowly conical in outline, with red-brown bark and soft, linear leaves colouring well in autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Good specimen tree, suited to wet conditions

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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