Poorly drained landscapes and wet soil can haunt home gardeners. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), native to southern U.S. swamps and traditionally harvested for lumber, can function as the perfect ornamental alternative, particularly those with too much wet thing.
“They’ve brilliant soft and feathery foliage, reddish-brown peeling bark and then flip a great russet brown colour in the autumn,” says David Migdal in The Garden Consultants at Highland Park, Ill.”They’re magnificent when used in mass or as one specimen. Exceptionally flexible, they withstand both exceptionally moist conditions as well as drought once established.” Need I say more?
The Garden Consultants, Inc..
Botanical name: Taxodium distichum
Common title: bald cypress
USDA zones:4-9
water requirement:Water frequently until recognized
Sun requirement: Complete sun
Mature dimensions: 50-130′ tall x up to 50′ wide.
Growth rate: Grows fast when young, slows with age
Tolerances: Wind, standing water, drought (once established)
Environmental benefits: Erosion control; wildlife nesting and source of food; water quality improvement
Love it. Fall is a perfect season not only to plant young trees, but also to enjoy the seasonal attraction that bald cypress offers. The green feathery needles of the cypress transition into a hot, reddish brown in fall before eventually dropping off in winter. Fibrous red silver bark, concealed by its foliage in summer, is revealed prominently as the year ends.
Bald cypress is an perfect specimen or shade tree for spaces lacking square footage. Once it reaches towering peaks, its trunk diameter remains thin. Whether clustered at a grove or lining an elongated driveway, the drama of its buttressed trunk, weightless foliage, and controlling elevation make for a lively and unforgettable planting.
Photo by BotBln
The Garden Consultants, Inc..
Before you plant. Do not let the fact that you might not live in a wet area dissuade you from incorporating bald cypress into your landscape. Bald cypress thrives in the hot humid summers of its native surroundings, but trendy coastal waters will only slow its growth a little. Once established that the tree is really resilient, but can sometimes see attacks to its own foliage and heartwood by fleas. Maintain the area surrounding the bottom of the tree free of decomposing debris and frequently prune to promote ample light and air flow.