Taxodium distichum
Swamp Cypress
Available summer 2012
Description
A species of deciduous conifer native to the south-eastern United States, Taxodium distichum grows to be an attractive, tall, conical tree which looks fantastic when planted in groups next to ponds or streams.
The pretty, soft green and fern-like leaves will turn shades of rich reddish-brown in autumn before they fall. Taxodium distichum is an eye-catching garden tree which thrives in wet conditions.
Supplied Size: out of stock
- Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
- Soil: Fertile soil. Taxodium distichum will tolerate very wet soil conditions.
- Hardiness: Hardy.
- Rate of Growth: Moderate until established then vigorous.
-
Habit: Medium sized or eventually large tree with a conical, upright habit.
- Height: up to 25 m (82 ft).
- Spread: 8 m (26 ft).
Plant Video
Taxodium distichum in our woodland gardens (taken in September 2010).
Further Information
Native to the U.S.A. From Florida, West into Texas and Northwards in the Mississippi valley, where in the wild it may attain 150 feet high, this deciduous conifer was introduced to Britain by John Tradescant between 1630 & 1640.
It is famous for being able to grow in waterlogged sites, where after a few years, wooden ?knees?, known botanically as pneumatophores, develop from the base of the trunk & nearby. These are like wooden rickstools and if the tree is planted by the sides of lakes or ponds they may sometimes grow up a couple of feet out of the water.
Although it can flourish on sites that are permanently flooded, it prefers soil that is moist and deep and is surprisingly tolerant of drier conditions. Eventually it will grow into a tall, quite slender tree, with beautiful rich green foliage in summer, turning to a warm rusty brown colour in autumn.
Extract from an information poster in our arboretum
Other Suggested Plants
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- Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar)
- Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)
- Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Redwood )