Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichum
Other Common Names:
Southern Cypress, Louisiana Cypress, Swamp Cypress, Sabino Tree
Under Power Lines:
No—this tree is not approved for planting under power lines.
Street Tree Planting:
Yes—minimum planting strip width of 8 feet and at least 30 feet from intersections. If planting a street tree, you must be approved for a permit.
Description:
Native to the swamplands of the Southeastern US, this deciduous conifer is a very adaptable urban tree. Its rich green summer foliage turns brilliant copper orange in fall, shedding in winter to display its showy fibrous red bark.
Mature Height:
60 feet
Mature Spread:
30 feet
Leaves:
Light green needles arranged spirally on the branchlets appearing almost feather-like, changing to bright copper orange in autumn before falling. Deciduous.
Fruits:
Small, round cones.
Cultural Notes:
Requires full sun. Very adaptable to a variety of soils, but prefers sandy loams with plenty of moisture. One of the few species on this year’s list that is tolerant of very wet, poorly drained sites.
Potential Problems:
None reported in the Pacific Northwest.
Minimum Planting Distances:
- 20 feet from house or building
- 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
- 5 feet from underground utility lines
- 10 feet from power poles
- 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
- 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
- 30 feet from street intersections