Taxodium distichum (Swamp cypress)

Botanical name

Taxodium distichum

Other names

Swamp cypress, Southern cypress, White cypress, Bald cypress, Deciduous cypress, Sabino tree

Genus

Taxodium Taxodium

Species

T. distichum - T. distichum is a tall, conical, deciduous, coniferous tree with red-brown bark, and feathery, mid-green foliage turning yellow-brown in autumn, and small cones in autumn.

Native to

Southeastern United States

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Ascending branches, Broadly conical, Oval-headed

Colour

Flower

Green, Insignificant or absent in Spring

Foliage

Light green in Spring; Light green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn

General care

Pruning

Little to no pruning required.

Propagation methods

Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Taxodium distichum (Swamp cypress) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 8m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Bog garden, Foliage only, Low Maintenance, Waterside

Cultivation

Grow in any moist or wet, preferably acid soil in full or partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Shade

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Taxodium distichum (Swamp cypress)

Common pest name

Cypress twig; borer

Scientific pest name

Argyresthia cupressella

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Widespread)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Has spread following introduction; little evidence of significant damage. Stakeholder groups may wish to monitor.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/