Trees

Taxodium distichum

Bald cypress

Bald cypress at Trap Pond State Park, Delaware. Photo: DoristheExplorist / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. photograph, not current inventory.

Bald cypress is a large deciduous conifer with fine green summer foliage and warm cinnamon-brown autumn color. Young trees are pyramidal, developing a broader and more irregular crown over time. It tolerates wet ground and can grow in ordinary landscape soils too, but its flaring trunk and eventual size call for a generous planting area.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 50–70 ft · Width: 20–30 ft
Water: Average to wet soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9

Sizes & prices

#10$149.99
#15$189.99
#20Bald Cypress$299.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Pyramidal, broad and open with horizontal branches
Growth rate: Moderate
Use: Shade tree; specimen; rain garden

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Species is moderately resistant to deer damage, not deer-proof.
Drought: Established species trees tolerate somewhat dry upland soils; moisture-retentive soil is preferred.
Wet soil: Tolerates wet soil and extended flooding.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Birds: Seeds provide food
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Native to Kentucky Species native to Kentucky.
Tristate native status: Native to Kentucky

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous; green, cinnamon-brown in autumn

Growing & care

Soil: Acidic, moisture-retentive soil; alkaline soil can cause yellowing from iron deficiency.
Pruning: Retain the leader and natural branching; routine pruning is limited to dead wood or lower branches that obstruct necessary clearance.
Issues: Root knees may develop near water. In dry summers, watch for mites; bagworms and twig blight can occur.

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

www.udel.edu

University of Florida IFAS

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: DoristheExplorist · CC0 1.0

Image notes: Bald cypress at Trap Pond State Park, Delaware. Photo: DoristheExplorist / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. Wikimedia 960 px thumbnail; no other edits. photograph, not current inventory.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.