Taxodium ascendens
Pond Cypress (Pond Baldcypress)
Taxodium ascendens (syn. Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium) is a wetland-tolerant baldcypress that grows very tall and has a columnar habit. Bright green foliage changes to rich orange-brown in fall. Often late to leaf out. Although it looks like a needled evergreen in summer, it is deciduous. Small rounded cones are purplish maturing to brown.
The main difference between this and the Common Baldcypress (T. distichum) is the bark is light brown and deeply furrowed, the branchlets are erect, the foliage is bright green, the knees are more rounded, and it usually grows on pond margins as opposed to in the water.
Attracts birds that eat the seeds. Older trees form natural hollows that are used as cover by wildlife.
Excellent specimen tree for large areas, parks, and wet and dry soil. Very striking in groves.
- Native deciduous tree
- Columnar habit and distinct foliage
- Tolerates wet conditions
- Category: Tree, Wetland, Native
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Height: 60-80 ft
- Spread: 10-20 ft
- Foliage Color: Green
Classification by Use
• | Native |
Specialty Use
• | Wildlife Garden |
Animal Resistance
• | Deer Resistant |
Habit
• | Upright |
Growth Rate
• | Slow |
Foliage Color
• | Green |
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Taxodium ascendens
Prefers moist, acidic soils in full sun. Also grows well in drier soil. Stands up well to strong winds and is somewhat salt tolerant.