Taxodium distichum - Swamp cypress

Taxodium distichum, also known as Bald Cypress or Louisiana Cypress, is a large deciduous and hardy conifer that is particularly well adapted to damp to wet soils. It is distinguished by the presence of emerged and twisted root extensions called pneumatophores, which form at the base of its trunk in waterlogged soil. The trunk itself is very straight and covered in a beautiful deep reddish-brown bark with deep fissures. Its light, slender, and pointed foliage displays magnificent rusty red hues in autumn, then turns brown-golden before falling. It will thrive in a large garden with ordinary, deep, and moist soil, and a sunny exposure.

The Bald Cypress is native to the marshy regions of the southeastern United States, in areas bordering the Gulf of Mexico. As a symbol of Louisiana, it is considered in North America as the emblem of southern swamps. In its natural environment, this taxodiaceous conifer forms a tall tree, reaching nearly 40 m (131.2 ft) in height, with a trunk diameter of 2 m (6.6 ft). In our climates, it maintains a beautiful pyramidal habit, but will not exceed 20 m to 25 m (65.6 ft to 82 ft) in height and 7 m to 8 m (23 ft to 26.2 ft) in width. Its growth is quite fast, and it can live up to 500 years.

This tree is called 'bald' due to its deciduous foliage, an unusual characteristic among conifers, except for larches and sequoias. The light, graceful, and flexible foliage is composed of small light green leaves, flattened and pointed, arranged spirally on the branches but twisted at their base, giving the impression that they are arranged in two flattened rows. They measure from 1 cm to 1.6 cm (0.4 in to 0.6 in) in length and display magnificent autumn colours before falling. The trunk is covered in a fibrous reddish-brown bark, deeply wrinkled and fissured with age. When the tree grows in a marshy or flooded area, it produces specific aerial roots called pneumatophores. These lignified extensions, which can reach a height of 1.7 m (5.6 ft), emerge from the ground or water at the base of the trunk. They seem to play a role in oxygenating the root system, as well as anchoring the tree in shifting and regularly submerged soils. The Louisiana Cypress is a monoecious species: male and female cones coexist on the same individual. The resinous female cones are round, purplish in colour when ripe, and about 2.5 cm (1 in) wide. The seeds are dispersed by water.

Taxodium distichum is a large and highly ornamental conifer that grows easily in any fresh and deep soil. It can be cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, where it will reveal its full potential as a shade tree or specimen. It shows more harmonious growth when cultivated in sheltered conditions without excessive competition. It can be paired with Nyssa sylvatica, or American larch, which requires similar growing conditions. Two species of ferns such as Onoclea sensibilis, in neutral to acidic and moist soil, sun to partial shade, and Dryopteris palustris (Telypteris palustris), ideal in riverside or marsh scenes, in light shade or sun, can also be planted at its base.

Usage: Its wood is very hard and resistant to decay and against termites. It is used in carpentry and appreciated as a construction material. Its shredded bark is used as horticultural mulch.

Advice: Water regularly during the first two years and in case of prolonged drought.