Taxodium distichum
baldcypress
Notes:
Light shade permits underplanting. Trunk widens noticeably at base, even in youth. Taprooted and needs deep soil; the infamous "knees" do not form on normal, well-drained sites. Generally does not grow multiple leaders. Dirr/Warren put average growth rate at 2'+/year.
Fire risk is debated; JerseyYards.org actually has an opinion on this (which I have not yet seen for any other plant). JerseyYards.org stands alone in claiming low drought tolerance, overruled by Dove/Woolridge, White Oak, UFL, and Dirr. Deer tolerance is also debated.
Sources: White Oak, Sunset, NCSU, Dove/Woolridge, UFL, Rutgers, JerseyYards.org, Dirr, Missouri BG, USDA, Dirr/Warren.
Tags:
acidic soil preferred
alkaline soil intolerant
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:larval host
attracts:mammals
branches strong
clay tolerant
compacted soil tolerant
dense canopy
drought tolerant
easy to grow
exposure:full sun
fall color notable
fast-growing
fine texture
form:tree
fragrant flowers
full sun preferred
habit:conical/pyramidal
infertile soil tolerant
litter:minimal
long-lived
native:eastern North America
persistence:deciduous
pollution tolerant
pruning not required
resprouts notably
rich soil preferred
roots:low damage potential
roots:shallow
salt tolerant
sandy soil tolerant
type:conifer
use:hedge
use:screen
use:shade tree
use:specimen
use:street
water:ample
water:moderate to little
water:regular
wet soil tolerant
wind tolerant
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