Description
Type: Deciduous tree
Family: Cupressaceae
Height: 50-70 feet
Spread: 20-45 feet
Native Range: southeastern US and Mississippi River valley in southeast Missouri
Site Requirements:
Soil: All types
Water: Medium to wet
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Tolerates: Deer, clay soil, wet soil, air pollution
Landscape use: Rain Garden.
Brief Description: Bald cypress is a long-lived, pyramidal conifer (cone-bearing tree). Easily grown in average, medium to wet, moisture retentive but reasonably well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers moist, acidic, sandy soils, but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions ranging from somewhat dry soils to wet soils in standing water. Trunks are buttressed (flared or fluted) at the base, and when growing in water, often develop distinctive, knobby root growths (“knees”) which protrude above the water surface around the tree. Heavy, straight-grained, rot-resistant wood has been used for a variety of purposes including barrels, railroad ties and shingles.
Wildlife Benefits:
Possible Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Chlorosis often occurs in alkaline soils. Bagworms, gall mites and spider mites are occasional insect pests and twig blight is an occasional disease pest.
Stand out Features: A large ornamental tree for parks or large lawns, good fall color.
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