The Ancient, Prehistoric Bald Cypress Tree
This stately, deciduous conifer thrives in zones 4-9.
Gardeners, meet Taxodium distichum, the bald cypress tree - a truly ancient and awe-inspiring species that’s been around since the time of the dinosaurs!
Fossil records show this tree has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years.
Native to the southeastern United States, the bald cypress tree is beloved for its unique, almost prehistoric appearance and its remarkable ability to thrive in wet, swampy areas.
Beyond the garden, it has deep roots in history - shaping local cultures, supplying timber, and inspiring legends for generations.
The bald cypress tree brings timeless beauty to the landscape. Image credit: Canva via canva.com
The bald cypress tree is a true standout in the conifer world. Most conifers stay green year-round, but the bald cypress tree needles turn orange and russet in fall before dropping to the ground (hence the “bald” moniker).
In winter, drooping clusters of inconspicuous flower buds appear on the branches and bloom in spring.
Globe-shaped cones adorn bald cypress tree branches from fall through winter, emerging bright green and turning a woody brown color as they mature.
The trunk of the bald cypress tree is typically straight and stout, featuring unique reddish-brown to gray bark that becomes deeply furrowed and fibrous as it matures, evoking an otherworldly charm reminiscent of The Hobbit.
Bald cypress trees thrive in zones 4-9, prefer full sun, and like deep, fine, sandy soils with plenty of moisture.
These trees are surprisingly adaptable, thriving in extreme conditions - from standing water to hot, dry parking lots.
The needles of the bald cypress tree turn brilliant shades of orange and russet brown in autumn.
Bald cypress trees need regular watering when young and become more low-maintenance once established. Learn more in our article “Landscaping Basics: Learn How to Water a Tree”.
Prune only dead or diseased branches, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Rutgers University rates the bald cypress tree as “occasionally severely damaged” on their list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance.
Bald cypress trees are known for their impressive longevity - some trees can live for hundreds of years or more!
In the United States, Black River Preserve in North Carolina is home to some of the oldest bald cypress trees on the planet - visit the Nature Conservancy website to learn more.
The fibrous, furrowed bark of a bald cypress tree.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they will never sit.”
Bald Cypress Tree Growth Rate
A healthy bald cypress tree grows at a moderate rate of 1-2 feet per year.
The mature straight species can reach 50-70 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, with some wild specimens hitting 100 feet!
For smaller spaces, several compact cultivars are available - check out our list of popular varieties below.
Bald cypress tree needles are arranged alternately along a thin, slender branch.
Can I Plant a Bald Cypress Tree in My Pond?
Yes, you can plant a bald cypress tree in or near a pond or water feature. Bald cypress trees are known for their ability to thrive in wet soil and are very well-suited to wetland environments.
Plant a bald cypress tree or seedling at the water’s edge, making sure the taproot is left intact and undisturbed and the rootlets are not damaged.
Make sure the plant is not completely submerged in water.
In wet areas, bald cypress trees often grow “knees” - unusual woody growths that pop up from the ground around the trunk.
These knees are a natural feature of the bald cypress tree and enhance its otherworldly, hobbity charm - read on to find out more about bald cypress tree knees.
Bald cypress tree knees enhance the mystical, otherworldly charm of this ancient species.
What are Bald Cypress Tree Knees?
One of the most intriguing features of the bald cypress tree is its cypress knees.
These unusual structures are knobby root projections that rise above the waterline in wet areas.
While their exact purpose remains a subject of scientific debate, some theories suggest that cypress knees help the tree acquire oxygen in waterlogged soil, or perhaps they provide additional structural support.
Bald cypress knees give the tree a distinctive, otherworldy look. It’s important to note, however, that most bald cypress trees planted in average, well-draining soil will not grow knees.
Read more about cypress tree knees in the Harvard Arboretum’s article “Cypress Knees: An Enduring Enigma”.
The exact purpose of bald cypress tree knees remains a mystery.
Is it OK to Cut Off Bald Cypress Tree Knees?
Bald cypress tree knees can be cut off, but it is generally not recommended.
Cutting off the knees will cause a mechanical injury to the tree and make it more susceptible to disease, pest damage, and other stressors.
If you have a specific reason to remove cypress knees, consult first with an ISA-certified professional arborist who can assess the situation and determine the best course of action while minimizing harm to the tree.
Visit the International Society of Arboriculture website for help locating a knowledgeable professional to care for your trees.
Globe-shaped bald cypress tree cones.
Is a Bald Cypress Tree Good for My Backyard?
Whether or not the bald cypress tree is a good fit for your backyard depends on several factors, including climate, how much space you have, and your landscaping goals.
Bald cypress trees need full sunlight, and can withstand the winter temperatures of gardening zones 4-9. If you are not sure what your gardening zone is, check out the USDA’s map here.
Make sure your backyard has enough space for this large, stately tree, and plant it well away from utility lines and structures.
If the full-size staright species bald cypress is too large for your yard, don’t worry, there are cultivated varieties that come in a range of sizes and shapes to suit almost any landscape.
Read on for a list of some of the most popular options.
The bald cypress tree is surprisingly versatile and can thrive in hot, dry spots like a parking lot.
Bald Cypress Tree Varieties
Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), the original, unaltered straight species, soars to heights of 50-70 feet or more, making it suitable for large outdoor spaces, parks, and spacious yards.
Autumn Gold™ (Taxodium distichum ‘Sofine’ Autumn Gold™) has a compact, pyramidal shape and excellent rusty orange fall color. It grows 50-70 feet high and 20-30 feet wide.
‘Cascade Falls’ (Taxodium distichum ‘Cascade Falls’) has a unique weeping habit, with gracefully arching branches. Young trees require staking. This bald cypress tree variety grows 20 feet high and wide, and makes an excellent vertical accent.
‘Falling Waters’ (Taxodium distichum ‘Falling Waters’) is a weeping version with branches cascading down from a strong central leader. It grows up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
Green Whisper ® (Taxodium distichum ‘JFS-SGPN’ Green Whisper®) has soft, bright green foliage and an upright pyramidal shape. The mature size of this bald cypress tree variety is 55 feet tall and 30 feet wide.
Lindsey’s Skyward™ (Taxodium distichum ‘Skyward’) has a narrow, columnar growth habit, making it a great choice for smaller gardens. It grows 25-30 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide.
‘Peve Minaret’ (Taxodium distichum ‘Peve Minaret’) forms a dense, tight spire and grows 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it a great choice for smaller yards.
‘Peve Yellow’ (Taxodium distichum ‘Peve Yellow’) is narrow and open-branching, with yellow spring foliage. This bald cypress cultivar grows up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
Shawnee Brave™ (Taxodium distichum ‘Mickelson’ Shawnee Brave™) has a narrow, pyramidal shape makes a great street tree or specimen. It grows 50-75 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide.
The Lindsey’s Skyward bald cypress tree is tall and narrow. Image courtesy of Bailey Nurseries.
How to Grow and Care for a Bald Cypress Tree
Planting: The best time of year to plant a bald cypress tree is in fall, late winter or early spring, giving the roots time to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Water deeply immediately after planting.
Location: Bald cypress trees prefer full sun and fine, sandy soil. They will tolerate an astonishingly wide range of conditions, including clay, muck, waterlogged soil, and standing water.They can also handle periods of drought and do well as a street tree or planted next to a paved area like a driveway or parking lot.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the tree's first few years of growth. Deep watering is preferable to encourage the development of a strong root system. Once established, bald cypress trees are somewhat drought-tolerant, but they still benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells. (Are you in a drought? Check the U.S. Drought Monitor).
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Fertilizing: Bald cypress trees don't require much fertilization, especially if they are planted in nutrient-rich soil. However, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring, following the manurfacturer’s directions given on the package.
Pruning: The bald cypress tree requires little pruning to maintain its shape and develop a strong structure. Dead or damaged branches can be pruned out, as needed.
Pests and diseases: Bagworms and mites can be occasional problems. Ensure good air circulation around your tree to minimize the risk of disease, and practice good watering habits (see “How to Water a Tree: Watering Strategies for Happy and Healthy Trees”).
Mature bald cypress trees with wide trunks grow next to a Florida river.