How big does Bald cypress grow?

About 5 m × 2.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 m × 6–10 m.

What soil does Bald cypress grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Bald cypress hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Bald cypress be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Bald cypress need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Bald cypress cost?

It sells for roughly €30 to €39 in local shops, depending on size.

Bald cypress

Taxodium distichum

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a large tree that reaches 5 m × 2.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €30.

Illustration of Bald cypress — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A deciduous conifer: its soft, light green, feathery foliage turns russet or coppery brown in autumn and then falls together with the short side shoots. Slim and conical when young, it eventually reaches 20 to 30 metres tall and 7 to 10 metres wide, so it is a specimen for a large garden or the edge of a pond or stream. It puts up with permanently wet and periodically flooded ground, yet also grows well in ordinary garden soil that is not too dry; in or beside water its roots send up conical woody knees, so allow for them when mowing.

Watch out for

On limy, alkaline soil (pH above 7.5) the foliage yellows with chlorosis, so on the often calcareous soils of Central Europe plant it only where the soil is acidic to neutral and low in lime. In dry summers without watering, mites can make the foliage brown and drop as early as midsummer, and twig blight occurs occasionally. Young plants are frost tender and need protection from hard cold in their first years. It becomes a very large tree that outgrows a small garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 5 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	5 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	15–30 m × 6–10 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Leaves
Planting distance	700 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €30

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €30 – €39

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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