Baldcypress
Taxodium distichum 
Baldcypress is native to the swamps of southeast Missouri where it develops a swollen base and knees. However, the tree also does well on drier sites in Missouri. The wood is oily and very decay resistant. It is one of the few conifers with deciduous leaves. Special notes: baldcypress will grow in a variety of soils and does well where soil compaction is a problem.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 90 ft
- Spread
- 35 ft
- Leaves
- thin, flat, 1/4" - 3/4" long; dull light green, paired on lateral branches which are deciduous
- Fruit
- round cone, 1" in diameter
- Bark
- dark reddish brown with shreddy ridges
- Associated species
- sweetgum, green ash, black willow, cottonwood, pin oak
- Ideal site conditions
- wet soil, full sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, wood products, erosion
- Value to wildlife
- dens
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
