Taxodium distichum Swamp cypress (Taxodiaceae) Deciduous tree

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Taxodium distichum
Swamp cypress
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Taxodium distichum plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - New Jersey to Florida and Texas. It is a member of the Taxodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Swamp cypress. Some home gardeners know the variety as Cupressus disticha.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Taxodium distichum
Common Name:  Swamp cypress
Family:  Taxodiaceae
Author:  (L.)Rich.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  30   Mature Width:  8

Habitat:  Wet sites that are under water for at least part of the year[82], and often overlying calcareous soils[43]. Often found where the water is brackish[200].

Cultivation Notes: Although this plant can be grown in wet soils and shallow water, it thrives in any soil and trees actually grow faster in normal unflooded soils[81]. Established plants succeed in standing water up to 60cm deep[200] - in such a situation the roots develop 'knees', curious cone-shaped structures that grow above the ground[227]. Tolerates the high pH of chalk streams[200]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[200]. Fairly cold-tolerant, but branches can be damaged by temperatures below -10°c[200]. A fairly vigorous tree, it can grow up to 45cm in a year with up to 4cm increase in girth[185]. It has been planted for its timber in S. Europe, especially on alluvial soils[50]. Buds often begin to break in March, but trees do not come properly into leaf until June and growth in height rarely starts before June[185]. A very healthy species in Britain, rarely seen in anything but good health. It seems to be a very long-lived tree in this country with several specimens more than 250 years old[185]. Trees are thought to live for over 1,000 years in the wild[227]. Plants grow best in areas with warm summers[200]. They only produce fertile seeds after long hot summers[200]. The branches are brittle and subject to wind damage, but the tree usually recovers well[81]. Unlike most conifers, this species responds well to coppicing[81].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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