Great Plant Pick: Taxodium distichum, bald cypress

Published 1:30 am Saturday, October 27, 2018

What: Taxodium distichum, commonly called bald cypress, evokes the essence of the Deep South. Few would think that a tree from the swamps of the steamy southeastern United States would do so well in Pacific Northwest gardens. It is one of a handful of deciduous conifers; in autumn its needles turn rusty-gold before they fall. In spring, the new growth is bright green and this fresh color lasts throughout summer. Its needles have a soft, feathery appearance and move gracefully in the breeze.

Where: Plant this pyramidal conifer in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Bald cypress are very adaptable to different soils, including heavy clay, and they do well on wet sites, including standing water.

Size: Bald cypress grows to be 60 feet tall and 35 feet wide when mature.

Care: Water regularly.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks