Swamp cypress – Taxodium distichum

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) belongs to the cypress family, though it was historically classified under the now-defunct Taxodium family. This medium-to-large, deciduous conifer is known for its unique appearance, featuring a broad pyramidal or rounded crown with drooping branches, giving it a weeping look. Typically found in warm, humid areas, it thrives in valleys, lowlands, and coastal regions, especially along streams or lakes. In Israel, this ancient species was historically planted in public parks, private gardens, and along waterways in lowland and valley areas. However, due to its relatively high water requirements, its use in gardening has declined, and it has become rare in nurseries. Notable large specimens can be found in the Yarkon sources, the Kiryat Haim green belt, and various public parks across Israel.

Native to the southeastern United States, Taxodium distichum grows in wetlands along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico, from Delaware to Texas. It also thrives in inland areas along the Mississippi River, often found in flood-prone regions. Its ability to reduce water flow and prevent erosion has earned it the name “Swamp Cypress.” However, swamp drainage and fire hazards threaten its natural habitat, and invasive species such as nutria damage its young shoots, hindering forest regeneration.

The tree’s foliage ranges from green to golden, complementing its reddish bark. Some varieties display reddish fall colors, while others retain their green foliage throughout winter. Pruning the central branch can result in a broader, weeping form, similar to a willow. Unlike most conifers, Taxodium distichum is deciduous, losing its leaves in winter, which is why it is commonly referred to as “Bald Cypress.”

Taxodium distichum is monoecious, bearing both male and female cones on the same tree. The female cones are green, maturing to a gray-brown color, and resemble cypress cones, measuring 2.5-3 cm in diameter. The seeds, among the largest in the cypress family, serve as a food source for squirrels, waterfowl, and other birds.

The reddish-gray bark is relatively thin, measuring 2.5-3 cm. When growing in swampy conditions, the tree develops “knees” around its base, which act like stabilizers in soft ground and water. These structures were once believed to help the roots breathe. Another unique trait of Taxodium distichum is its ability to produce root shoots after cutting, though these rarely develop into attractive trees.

This long-lived species can reach heights of 30-40 meters and diameters of 20-30 meters under optimal conditions. The tallest known specimen reaches 44 meters in Virginia, while the oldest and largest, located in Louisiana, boasts a trunk diameter of 5.21 meters and is over 1,600 years old. Taxodium distichum grows slowly but is highly valued for its durable, water-resistant wood, which is used for roofing, boat construction, furniture, and general building materials.

In the United States, two varieties are commonly planted, and Taxodium distichum holds the distinction of being the state tree of Louisiana.