Taxodium distichum
swamp cypress
T. distichum is a deciduous coniferous tree to 20m or more, with a conical crown, fibrous red-brown bark and soft, feathery, light green foliage turning rich yellow-brown in autumn. Small ovoid cones
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Red | Green | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Red | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Brown Red | Brown Yellow | ||
| Winter | Brown Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Taxodium are tall deciduous trees, narrowly conical in outline, with red-brown bark and soft, linear leaves colouring well in autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Good specimen tree, suited to wet conditions
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.