Bald Cypress Tree

Bald cypress, also spelled as baldcypress , is a cone bearing, deciduous tree that adapts in swampy regions. Since it prefers to thrive in waterlogged areas, moist woodlands and along the river basin, the bald cypress is also known as swamp cypress. Despite being a water-loving tree, this coniferous tree also performs well in gardens and public parks. Matured bald cypress tree attains a desirable triangular-shaped canopy, thus requiring less pruning or shaping approaches.

Bald Cypress Information

Indigenous to the Southeastern parts of United States, the bald cypress is included amongst the finest trees native to America. There are some characteristic features of bald cypress that adds to easy tree identification. Being native to lowland regions doesn't mean that bald cypress requires high rainfall. However, growing bald cypress in soggy soils that resembles its natural habitat promotes healthy growth in the long run. The following information highlights on bald cypress tree facts, which you may find interesting.

Classification
According to plant taxonomy, bald cypress is represented by the scientific name Taxodium distichum. The family name is Taxodiaceae. An interesting aspect about bald cypress is the periodical shedding of leaves in winter, which is an unusual attribute of the coniferous, evergreen trees. The name bald cypress is assigned as the tree remains bald until the next year's active season (spring).

Characteristics
A bald cypress tree growing in a boggy or shallow water bodies develops knee-like root growths around the main stem, which protrude above the water level. The root protrusions or 'cypress kness' collectively serve as an adaptation to increase air circulation to the root system. This is a feature characteristic to this gymnosperm. In its native growing condition, this majestic tree reaches a height of about 100 feet or more.

Leaves
Similar to majority of conifer trees, the leaves of bald cypress are needle-shaped and feathery. They are arranged in a specific two ranked pattern around the branches. During the active growing season (spring through summer), the light green, feathery leaves give a spectacular view to the landscape design. As fall season arrives, the leaf needles turn orange-brown in color, and fall gradually.

Planting Requirements
This lovely conifer is best suited from growing in the USDA hardiness zones 5-10. The ideal conditions preferable for growing bald cypress are moist, soggy and acidic soil. Planting can be done from viable bald cypress seeds or small tree saplings. If available, plant this tall conifer in areas that receive maximum sunlight, or at least 8-10 hours sunlight daily. For detailed tips on planting bald cypress, you can refer to how to grow a bald cypress tree.

Growth Rate
So, how fast does bald cypress grow? On an average, the bald cypress grows to about 12 inch or more per year. Actual growth depends on the environmental condition and soil science of the area. When planted as ornamental trees in garden, their height usually falls between 50-70 feet, with a spread of not more than 25 feet. The bark is reddish-brown in color with vertical ridges and furrows.

Reproduction
Belonging to the coniferous trees means that the bald cypress is a non-flowering tree species. Instead this ornamental tree bears male cones in the upper portion and female cones in the lower branches for reproduction purposes. In late winter, the male cone releases pollens, which are then carried to the matured female cones by wind currents. After the green female cone is fertilized, it ripens and changes its color to brown.

Problems
When exposed to prolonged dry spells, the bald cypress leaves turn brown and fall prematurely. Also, in dry condition, production of knee-like root growths is less. If the growing soil is alkaline, this tree exhibits nutrient deficiency, leaf yellowing and other problems. Hence, if you are including this tree in your landscaping project, ensure that you select a lowland area that has high water level and acidic soil. Some identified diseases and pests are fungal rot, bagworm, coneworm, flea beetle, bark beetle and looper.

Provided that the available growth conditions meet the basic requirements of bald cypress tree, this wonderful plant survives for several hundred years to a few thousand years. What's more, its hard wood is less susceptible to rotting and alike moisture problems, thus making an excellent lumber for making outdoor furniture.