What: Bald cypress, or Taxodium distichum, evokes the essence of the deep south. Few would think that a tree from the swamplands of the steamy southeastern U.S. would do so well in our Northwest gardens. It is one of a handful of deciduous conifers, in autumn its needles turn rusty-gold before they fall. This reveals bald cypress’s shaggy red-brown bark, which adds interest to the winter garden. In spring the new growth is bright green and this fresh colors lasts throughout summer. Its needles have a soft, feathery appearance and move gracefully with each breeze. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions but prefers a location that is moist or receives some summer watering. It can even be planted in standing water. The famous cypress “knees” that develop in southern swamps can be seen in a Pacific Northwest context around the perimeter of VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Cypress Pond. Those trees were planted in 1975, their knees are about a foot high. Near them, in garden beds, grow other bald cypresses that have not developed knees. Interestingly, Taxodium grew here in the Miocene and Pliocene eras, their needles have been found in fossils east of the Cascade Mountains in Washington and in B.C.
Where: This choice tree thrives in average to heavy clay soils and tolerates sodden soils, something few other trees tolerate. In drier sites it appreciates some water during summer dry spells. As pictured, it looks wonderful surrounding a low-lying pond.
Size: Reaches a height of 20 feet with a spread of 12 feet.
GreatPlantPicks.org
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
