Bald Cypress

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

Cupressaceae

(formerly in Taxodiaceae, Baldcypress Family)

▲ ▼ young trees

▲ ▼ mature trees growing in water, producing "knees"

▲ fruit and fall foliage

Location on Missouri State University campus: in retention basin area at southwest corner of National and Grand; in east lawn of Carrington Hall

Taxodium distichum: Baldcypress

• leaves/needles similar to Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), except arranged alternately on permanent twigs
• similar habit as Dawn Redwood, except lower branches become horizontal to ground as tree matures, rather than ascending
• bark similar to Dawn Redwood
• tolerates wide range of soils, from dry to permanent swamp and wide pH and fertility ranges; only forms "knees" when roots permanently immersed in water
• Giant Sequoia and California Redwood trees also in Taxodiaceae family, but are evergreen