Taxodium disticum #5 (Bald Cypress)

Bald Cypress is a magnificent deciduous conifer native to the eastern and southeastern coastal states and the Mississippi Valley. Their ideal growing conditions are swampy, acidic and humid but they are surprisingly adaptable to drier conditions and Midwestern winters, thanks to their deciduous nature. The trunks are tall, slender and straight. When grown in favorably wet conditions, they are strongly buttressed at the base and grow woody “knees” (pneumatophores) in places with standing water to help with respiration. If they are planted in drier conditions, these distinctive characteristics will rarely occur.

An acidic soil is necessary to avoid chlorosis, but average garden conditions are otherwise tolerated. Bald Cypress has a high tolerance to salinity, making them a good choice for wet areas that deal with sidewalk and road runoff. They have a rapid growth rate, capable of reaching 45′ tall in just 20 years! They make very attractive groves when planted in groups, and more formal plantings suit their reliably symmetrical growth habit.

These trees are host to at least 16 species of Lepidoptera, though Ohio lies outside the native range for many of these. The seeds are eaten by Wood Ducks, Mallards, Wild Turkeys, and squirrels. Mature trees can provide nesting habitat for large birds such as Pileated Woodpeckers, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons and Egrets.

Sources:
Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr
Missouri Botanical Garden
Illinois Wildflowers
NC State Extension
ODNR