Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

The Bald Cypress or Louisiana Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a species of tree in the Taxodiaceae family native to the central southeastern United States. It is a species remarkable for its adaptation to humid environments. The bald cypress is a large tree that can reach 30 to 50 meters high in its place of origin with a trunk diameter of 2 meters. The tree lives 300 to 500 years. It can be planted in southwest Canada from zone 5a-5b. Specimens have been planted in Ottawa but in some very cold years, shoots from the previous year can freeze and die. He can then do what we call a summit descent. It has difficulty withstanding cold temperatures below -26°C and high winds which can dry out the branches.

The light, graceful and supple foliage is made up of light, flattened and acicular leaves, arranged in spirals on the branches but twisted at their base, which makes them appear arranged in two flattened rows. They measure 1 to 1.6 cm long and 1 to 2 mm wide. The leaves fall in the fall. This species likes the edges of marshes, in full sun or partial shade. The bald cypress tolerates peaty, flooded and difficult to access lands.