Trees
Taxodium distichum 'Gee Whiz'
Gee Whiz dwarf bald cypress
Gee Whiz is a very slow-growing dwarf bald cypress with densely clustered, fine green foliage that turns copper brown before dropping in fall. It brings the texture of a full-size bald cypress to a small, sunny accent planting. Its low early growth does not represent its eventual size.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- Height: About 1 ft at 10 years; Sooner Plant Farm estimates 4–5 ft mature · Width: About 2 ft at 10 years; Sooner Plant Farm estimates 3–4 ft mature
- Water
- Moist to wet soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zone 6 minimum
Sizes & prices
- #3$179.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
Ask about this plantSelect a section to expand.
Landscape use & tree form
- Form
- Low, spreading, congested growth
- Use
- Dwarf specimen; low accent in a moisture-retentive garden.
- Growth rate
- Dwarf; about 1 ft tall × 2 ft wide over 10 years (grower estimate)
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
- Species tolerates wet soils 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
- Cultivar of bald cypress, a Kentucky-native species. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
- Tristate native status
- Cultivar of bald cypress, a Kentucky-native species.
Seasonal interest
- Foliage
- Deciduous; congested, fine-textured growth
Growing & care
- Site
- Adapts to wet ground; root knees are more likely near water.
- Pruning
- Preserve this dwarf's low, congested habit; normally remove only dead or damaged growth. Do not train it as a full-sized upright bald cypress.
- Soil
- Acidic, moisture-retentive soil; alkaline soil can cause yellowing from iron deficiency.
- Issues
- Root knees may develop near water. In dry summers, watch for mites; bagworms and twig blight can occur.
Sources & photo credits
Referenced grower plant information
University of Minnesota Extension
Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web. · CC BY-SA 2.0
Image notes: Gee Whiz (syn. Geewiz) dwarf bald cypress, young garden specimen, September 2014. Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web. or mature size.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.