Photo gallery

  • Orange autumn foliage of Taxodium distichum
  • Mature Taxodium distichum in the summer
  • Mature Taxodium distichum in the autumn
  • Summer foliage of Taxodium distichum in detail
  • Medium Taxodium distichum feathered
  • Instant Taxodium distichum
  • Carbon Rating
  • Carbon Rating

Swamp Cypress, Bald Cypress, Southern Cypress, White Cypress, Tidewater red-Cypress, Red Cypress, Gulf-cypress

Taxodium distichum

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About this product

Taxodium distichum, also known as Swamp Cypress, is an unusual deciduous conifer that grows on very wet or seasonally flooded soil. 

It is native to the Florida Everglades and was introduced into the UK by John Tradescant in the early 1640s. In 2002, it won the Awards of Garden Merit.

The Swamp Cypress is often confused with Metasequoia, yet it is markedly different upon closer inspection. 

The foliage is bright green, needle-like, and has a soft appearance. Its deciduous appearance gives it a glorious display of bright orange in autumn. 

This tree tends to leaf out later than usual in the UK, so do not worry if it appears slow to awaken in spring. Its bark is brown and highly fibrous, and it produces small, round seed cones that begin purple when young.

Taxodium distichum absolutely loves the water and, therefore, prefers to have access to good sources of moisture in the soil and will tolerate water-logged soil well.  It will require plenty of water in the first 2 years after planting to ensure it will thrive. 

This massive specimen can grow well over 20 meters tall and typically has a pyramidal shape. However, some specimens display genetic variability, resulting in a more oval form instead.

Swamp Cypress does very well at the edge of ponds and in wetter parklands, where it naturally has access to plenty of water and is allowed the space to reach its full potential.

Mature height: 20m+

Specifications

Common names
Swamp Cypress, Bald Cypress, Southern Cypress, White Cypress, Tidewater red-Cypress, Red Cypress, Gulf-cypress
Height of tree
20m+
Soil type
Wet
Shape
Pyramidal
Foliage Colour
Green
Good for waterlogged soil
Yes
Information Flags
Award
Looks good in
Autumn
Location
Parkland, Wetland
Genus
Taxodium
Autumn Colour
Yes