Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) is a deciduous conifer native to wetlands across the southeastern United States. This majestic tree blooms from March to May and thrives in full sun with medium to high water conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bald Cypress as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
600"–900" H × 240"–540" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 15 more states
Pollinators
moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bald cypress is a majestic native Texas tree that grows 50-75 feet tall with a distinctive conical shape and feathery, light green foliage. Despite its name, it thrives in both wet and dry conditions and develops attractive reddish-brown bark with age. The tree drops its needles in fall, creating a beautiful golden display before winter dormancy.
Growing Bald Cypress
Grow Bald Cypress in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 900 inches tall and spread 240 to 540 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bald Cypress takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
This tree supports moths and other pollinators during its spring blooming period. Its seeds provide food for waterfowl and songbirds, while the dense canopy offers excellent nesting sites for various bird species.
Common questions
- Where is Bald Cypress native to?
- Bald Cypress is native to 21 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- When does Bald Cypress bloom?
- Bald Cypress blooms from March through May, producing small inconspicuous flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
- What pollinators visit Bald Cypress?
- Moths are among the pollinators that visit Bald Cypress trees during their blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Bald Cypress prefer?
- Bald Cypress grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to high water availability. It naturally occurs in wetlands, swamps, and along waterways where it can tolerate seasonal flooding.
- Is Bald Cypress toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bald Cypress as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bald Cypress HOA-friendly?
- Bald Cypress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Bald Cypress fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.