🌳 Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

The Bald Cypress is a stately, long-lived tree native to Florida’s wetlands and riverbanks. Known for its feathery, soft green foliage that turns russet-orange in fall, it brings a touch of natural elegance to any landscape. Adaptable to both wet and dry soils, this tree thrives in Central Florida and grows into an iconic, upright specimen with strong character.

🌸 Foliage & Form

• Foliage: Soft, feathery, needle-like leaves that shift to coppery-bronze in fall before dropping

• Form: Upright, pyramidal when young, broadening with age

• Habit: Deciduous conifer — loses leaves in winter, regrows fresh green in spring

🌱 Plant Details

• Type: Deciduous conifer (unusual among “evergreens”)

• Mature Size: 50–70 ft. tall × 20–30 ft. wide (larger in natural wetlands)

• Growth Habit: Strong, upright central trunk with symmetrical branching

• Exposure: Full sun

• Soil: Adapts to wet, moist, or dry soils; tolerates flooding as well as drought

• Water Needs: Moderate; thrives in both irrigated landscapes and natural moisture

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–10 (excellent for Central Florida)

• Maintenance: Very low; no serious pest or disease issues

🌟 Why We Love It

• Native Florida tree with timeless beauty and resilience

• Feathery foliage offers shade in summer, fall color in autumn

• Thrives in challenging wet areas, ponds, and low spots

• Provides habitat and interest for wildlife

🌼 Landscape Uses

• Shade tree for large yards or open spaces

• Accent tree near lakes, retention ponds, or rain gardens

• Naturalistic plantings in parks or estates

• Windbreak or screen when planted in rows

⚠️ Plant Notes

• Will drop foliage in winter — this is normal for Bald Cypress

• May develop “knees” (woody root structures) when planted in very wet soils

• Needs space — best for medium to large properties

✅ Level To Leaf Tip: Plant Bald Cypress near a pond, lake, or low-lying area for a dramatic native look that thrives where other trees may struggle. Its seasonal change of color adds a unique touch to Florida yards.