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Taxodium distichum var. mexicanum is often confused with:
Taxodium distichum Taxodium distichum
Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium 'Nutans' Form
Native alternative(s) for Taxodium distichum var. mexicanum:
Taxodium distichum Taxodium distichum
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Salix nigra Salix nigra
Saururus cernuus Saururus cernuus
Taxodium distichum Taxodium distichum
Taxodium distichum var. mexicanum has some common insect problems:
Bagworms in Ornamental Landscapes

Mexican Swamp Cypress Taxodium distichum var. mexicanum

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Taxodium distichum var. mucronatum
  • Taxodium mexicanum
  • Taxodium montezumae
  • Taxodium mucronatum
Phonetic Spelling
taks-OH-dee-um dye-STICK-um mecks-ih-KAY-nuh
Description

The Mexican Swamp Cypress is a large, needle-leaf, evergreen, aquatic tree with a tall, straight trunk and a broad crown of spreading branches and drooping twigs. The trunk is often enlarged at the base with ridges and sometimes small "knees" project from submerged roots (although the "knees" are more rare on this cypress). The Mexican Swamp Cypress is the national tree of Mexico and is closely related to the Bald Cypress of the southeastern United States, The Mexican Swamp Cypress found in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City, are taller, reaching 165 feet, and are among the oldest cultivated trees in the New World, perhaps exceeding 600 years.

The Mexican Swamp Cypress is a good street tree that tolerates wet sites. In natural settings, it is often found in swamps, streams, and river banks at sea level. It has broadly spreading branches, slightly bowed, with long, arching shoots. It prefers sun to partial shade and can grow in a range of soil types including damp soil.  It is also drought tolerant.  This species has been known to tolerate flooded conditions for extended periods of time. It is faster growing than Bald Cypress in good conditions and semi-deciduous in winter. A cone bearing plant, seeds are released upon cone ripening and germinate as soon as moisture conditions permit. There is a weeping form.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

When well-maintained, cypress trees tend to have few insect or disease problems. Could suffer winter damage in Central Texas northward.

More information on Taxodium distichum.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#weeping#deciduous#conifer#fall interest#wetlands#wet soils tolerant#flood tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#weeping#deciduous#conifer#fall interest#wetlands#wet soils tolerant#flood tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Taxodium
    Species:
    distichum
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico
    Distribution:
    Southern Texas south to Central America
    Fire Risk Rating:
    low flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    Nesting site and cover for birds. Seeds are eaten by small mammals.
    Play Value:
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 36 ft. 0 in. - 72 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Broad
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    24-60 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Green
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Winter
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    Montezuma Cypress cones open in February and seeds ripen in October after flowering in March or April.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Description:
    Does not flower.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Acicular
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Thin, feathery leaves in two rows down each branch.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Bowed branches
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Pond
    Riparian
    Landscape Theme:
    Rain Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Street Tree
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Wet Soil