Taxodium distichum

El Taxodium distichum it is a conifer with a growth that can be quite fast if it always has water at its free disposal. In fact, its water needs are so high that its natural habitat is swampy regions and those that are almost always flooded, which is why it is known as swamp cypress. Now, we don't have to make the mistake of thinking it's a cypress, because it really isn't.

Of course, if it is anything like it, it is so that it can reach an impressive height it is very important that it grows in a spacious garden and without or with very few large plants around it.

What is the origin and characteristics of the Taxodium distichum?

El Taxodium distichum or cypress of the swamps is a deciduous coniferous plant that lives in the southeastern United States. In fact, in the state of Louisiana it is held in great esteem, not in vain it is its emblem, although it also lives in the swampy regions of Texas, Illinois, Florida and South Carolina.

It can be 40 meters tall, and develops a pyramidal crown with horizontal branches. Green needle-shaped leaves sprout from the latter, which is why they are said to be needle-like. The trunk is straight and widens at the base, especially if it lives near watercourses. But if there is something that draws a lot of attention, it is the pneumatophores that it develops in these conditions.

Pneumatophores are aerial roots that grow upwards, thus emerging from the water in order to capture oxygen and thus breathe.

What uses is it given?

It is a tree that is planted in gardens, where it is cultivated as an isolated specimen. In addition, it is widely used as a bonsai, since it is good to work with as it tolerates pruning.

It is also of some interest to the lumber industry, as its wood is good for making things like beams or braces. It weighs little and has a homogeneous texture.

What are the care that must be given to the cypress of the swamps?

As you surely suspect, it is a tree that you have to place outside, if possible in an area that has a tendency to flood. If that is not possible, an alternative would be to plant it in a pot with mulch, for example, or peat mixed with a little perlite, with a plate underneath, and water it often so that it does not dry out.

And speaking of irrigation, you have to water it often. Especially during the summer, which is when the soil takes less time to dry out and when the plant is growing more, it will be very necessary to hydrate it frequently. Also, once a week or every two weeks you should fertilize it with earthworm humus or chicken manure (note: if it is fresh, put it in the sun for a week to dry a bit, since if you used it now the roots would burn ).

The Swamp Cypress multiplies by seeds. These must be cold to germinate, so the ideal planting time is in winter. Put two or three in a pot with peat, and leave them outdoors, in full sun.

If there are frosts in your area but they are very weak, I recommend artificially layer them in the fridge for three months, planting them in a tupperware container with soil for seedlings, and a little copper on top so that they do not spoil due to fungi.

When pruning it, it is important to do light pruning so as not to damage the tree too much and, also, to prevent it from losing its beauty at the end of winter.. For this reason, it is only necessary to cut the parts that are broken and/or the diseased ones; and if necessary, the branches will be trimmed a little.

Resists up to -20ºC.