Pond Cypress
Taxodium distichum (taks-OH-dee-um DIS-tik-um)
The Pond Cypress is a smaller variety of the Bald Cypress ( Taxodium distichum ) and, like Bald Cypress, is a long-lived, pyramidal conifer (cone-bearing) tree. It is slow growing, reaching 35 feet after 20 years, but at maturity, it can reach 70 feet with a 20 foot girth. It has overlapping scale-like leaves up to 1/3 of an inch long and is restricted to the Gulf region of southeastern United States, where it often intergrades with Bald Cypress. Although it looks like a needled evergreen (same family as redwoods) in summer, it is deciduous. It is native to southern swamps, bayous and rivers, and is known to tolerate flooded conditions for extended periods of time. The roots grow knobby, conical "knees" that rise up from the ground. In the deep South, it is a familiar sight growing directly in swampy water, often in large stands, with its branches heavily draped with Spanish moss. In cultivation, however, it grows very well in drier, upland soils. In comparison to Bald Cypress, Pond Cypress is somewhat smaller, has appressed, spirally arranged leaves, the root knees are more rounded, and it usually grows on pond margins as opposed to in the water. Some experts consider Pond Cypress to be a different species, namely T. ascendens , or Dwarf Cypress. The tree grows easily in in average, medium to wet, moisture-retentive but reasonably well-drained soils in full sun. It prefers moist, acidic, sandy soils, but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions ranging from average moisture soils to wet soils in standing water. It is a low maintenance tree with easy fall cleanup. It has a large taproot and is slightly salt tolerant.The sapwood is cream-colored while the heartwood is brown. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Well maintained trees have few problems; however, twig blight is an occasional disease pest. Chlorosis often occurs in alkaline soils. Compare this plant to: Taxodium distichum VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Taxodium distichum .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 61 attributes.
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