November Tree of the Month-Bald cypress
Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) can be described as the evergreen that really isn’t. In summer, the needles look like other evergreen conifers such as yew or spruce, but come fall, they turn a rich, cinnamon brown and create a finely textured carpet at the tree’s base.
Bald cypress are tough trees, Missouri natives that grow beautifully in bog or swamp conditions at the water’s edge or high and dry as a street tree. The shape is usually pyramidal and always regal.
The most unique feature of cypress trees is the pneumatophoric knees produced from the roots fanning around the tree’s base. Pneumatophore means “air-bearing” since the knees are thought to help oxygen reach the root system, especially in swampy conditions. Cypress trees planted far away from water don’t always produce knees. It’s also thought that the knees can also provide stability. Cypress can grow up to 120’, and trunk diameters can reach 3-6’.
The rot-resistant heartwood is used for barrels, shingles, fencing, and railroad ties.
Closely related to the bald cypress is the pond cypress. (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium, formerly T. ascendens) Pond cypress usually grow smaller and have a finer, almost fluffy texture with needles arranged in spirals instead of rows like the bald cypress. Pond cypress is less likely to produce knees and are becoming more popular with the same fall color, disease and pest resistance, and low maintenance traits as the larger bald cypress.
Both trees are considered super low-maintenance, disease and pest-resistant, and prefer full sun.
What I love about this plant.
-The knees!
-High disease and pest resistance.
-Low maintenance.
-It’s native!
-Easy cleanup when the needles drop.
-A Missouri Botanical Garden Plant of Merit.
What’s not so great;
-The knees! In a turf setting, any knees that form can be difficult to mow around and become trip hazards. A wide planting bed or mulched tree ring around the base can minimize damage to trees, mowers, and toes.
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Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2023, All rights reserved.
