Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum and cvs.) tax-OH-dee-um DISS-tih-kum Genus:  Taxodium Its great beauty and variety of sizes and shapes makes this deciduous conifer a candidate for extensive use. Bald cypress is a tall, conical, almost columnar tree with pale brown, shallowly fissured bark. Its bright green needles become golden in the fall. The cultivar 'Monarch of Illinois' is shaped totally unlike the typical bald cypress, but shares its delicate foliage and warm-looking, ruddy bark. It has a large, rounded crown, like a maple. With an ultimate height of about 85 feet and spread to 65 feet, it is suited to large gardens. A smaller cultivar, 'Shawnee Brave', has a narrow, pyramidal growth habit, an ultimate height of 70 feet, and a span of up to 18 feet. Noteworthy Characteristics:  In wet sites, trees produce aerial roots called "knees." The cultural requirements are minimal, and the trees are resistant to disease and pests. Care:  Provide moist to wet, preferably acidic soil, in full sun or partial shade. Problems:  Leaf spot, bark beetle, and wood rot can occur.

Overview

Height Over 30 ft. Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft. Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Characteristics Interesting Bark, Showy Foliage Uses Screening, Specimen Plant/Focal Point, Waterside Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Trees