This stately conifer, native to the Midwest, is often found in groupings in parks and larger spaces, along streets, and around lakes. Unlike most cone-bearing trees, bald-cypress loses its needles each winter and grows a new set in spring. The russet-red fall color of its lacy needles is one of its outstanding characteristics. Hardy and tough, this tree will adapt to a wide range of soil types, whether wet, dry, or swampy.
- Family (English) Cypress
- Family (botanic) Cupressaceae
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Illinois, North America
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 50-70 feet
- Mature width 20-30 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11
- Soil preference Acid soil, Wet soil
- Tolerances Clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional flooding, Wet sites
- Season of interest late summer, early fall, mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Pyramidal
- Growth rate Moderate
- Transplants well Yes
- Wildlife Birds, Small mammals, Water birds
- Has cultivars Yes