While its natural habitat is the swamps of southern Illinois, Bald Cypress is quite popular as a landscape tree throughout the state. Known for its characteristic knees, or aerial roots, typically when planted in a home landscape the knees do not emerge, or stay relatively short. In their natural habitat, they can live over 200 years old.
Pollinator Type
Caterpillars
Plant Type
Deciduous tree
Zone
5 to 10
Height
50-100 ft
Spread
20-40 ft
Light
Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil, Wet Soil
Bloom Color
Green
Bloom Time
April
Design Considerations
Can grow in a wide variety of soils and does not need to be in consistently wet soil. Great choice for difficult, low-lying wet spots.
Care and Maintenance
Low maintenance once established.
Pest and Diseases
Cypress twig gall midge.
Establishment and Propagation
Planted from bareroot or container grown seedlings given their wide availability commercially.
Commercial Availability
Commonly available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Tamarack
Native Status
Illinois native, southern Illinois.
Fall Color
Needles turn brown and drop from the tree in the fall.
Growth habit
Large tree with an inflated trunk at the base. Form is pyramidal.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
