Bald Cypress is a beautiful tree with fern-like foliage resembling an evergreen conifer. It is however deciduous losing its leaves in the winter. When Bald Cypress trees grow in or near water, they can develop knees. The lateral twigs are shed with needles still attached in the autumn. The sapwood is pale yellow white, with the heartwood varying in color from light to dark or reddish brown. The oils in the Cypress heartwood make it one of the most durable woods when exposed to moisture conditions causing decay. Mature trees can live a thousand years.

Bald Cypress is the tree planted on the north and west side of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

Bark: The bark color varies from brown to gray, is fibrous, and peels in long shreds.

Foliage: The 1/3 - 3/4 inch long leaves are needle-like and may turn a rich brown in autumn. The terminal twigs are slender and become reddish-brown late in the season.

Flowers: The monoecious flowers bloom from March-April and is staminate in drooping 4 - 5 inch panicles.

Fruit: The fruits are cones with shield-shaped scales, 1/2 - 1 inch in diameter, and occur on a 1/2 inch long stalk. They become purple with age, and eventually disintegrate. Bald Cypress seeds, which have a very pleasant aroma, are irregularly shaped wedges covered in a resinous coating that retards wetting and resists insects.

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More Information

Tree ID Number:	297
Scientific Name:	Taxodium distichum
Mature Height:	50 - 70 ft
Canopy Spread (Diameter):	12 - 25 ft
Branching Shape:	Horizontal or droop considerably.
Growth Rate:	Medium
Wood Strength:	Softwood
Cold Hardiness Zone:	4-11
Soil Moisture Requirements:	Wet, Moist
Light Requirements:	Sun
Common Pests:	Cypress moth, spider mites, bagworms, gall forming mite, twig blight and wood decay.
Comments:	Very stately tree. Good for parks or large estates. Good for wet areas.

Find this tree on the Campus Map

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