POND CYPRESS
Pond Cypress trees share a striking resemblance to Baldcypress, with their perfectly straight trunks reaching heights of 50 to 60 feet. However, Pond Cypress distinguishes itself with a narrower crown and smaller size, exhibiting a more open growth habit. Typically found along stream edges and swampy areas where water accumulates, Pond Cypress differs from Baldcypress, which generally grows along stream banks. The young leaves of the Pond Cypress are bright green and awl-shaped, arranged upright along the branches for a stiffer and more vertical appearance compared to Baldcypress. In autumn, these leaves transition to an appealing light brown before falling off; yet even in winter, the bare branches and light brown ridged bark contribute significant visual interest to landscapes. The trunk of the Pond Cypress thickens unusually at its base—even in young specimens—a feature believed to provide stability in wet environments. Additionally, its small seeds serve as food for certain birds and squirrels.
Height: 50 to 60 feet
Spread: 10 to 15 feet
Crown Uniformity: symmetrical
Crown Shape: pyramidal, upright/erect, columnar
Crown Density: open
Growth Rate: fast
Texture: fine
Light Requirement: full sun to partial shade
Soil Tolerances: clay; sand; loam; slightly alkaline; acidic; wet to well-drained
Drought Tolerance: high
Aerosol Salt Tolerance: moderate
Pond cypress is a versatile tree often found along water’s edge, where it develops “knees” or root projections to facilitate gas exchange above water. Interestingly, it can also thrive in dry locations, making it an excellent choice for narrow urban spaces as a street tree. On drier sites, the formation of cypress knees is rare, and even in wet areas, they are less prevalent compared to bald cypress. This tree provides a striking vertical accent in landscapes and is underutilized in urban settings. Unlike some species, its roots typically do not disrupt sidewalks and curbs.
The pond cypress offers delicate foliage that casts light, dappled shade and boasts heartwood known for its strength and rot resistance—though most available lumber today consists of non-rot-resistant sapwood. It excels in wet environments like stream banks and mucky soils but adapts well to various soil types such as clay, silt, and sand; however, it does not fare well on alkaline soils with a pH above 7.5.
Its drought-avoidance mechanism allows the pond cypress to shed leaves during prolonged dry spells with minimal damage. This low-maintenance tree requires pruning only for dead wood removal or unwanted lower branches trimming while maintaining a straight trunk without forming double or multiple leaders common among large trees. The ‘Prairie Sentinel’ cultivar offers a narrower profile than the typical species. Propagation of pond cypress is achieved through seeds.
Twig blight is a condition resulting from a weak pathogen that typically manifests on dead or dying tissue. In situations where the tree is under stress, this fungus has the potential to kill branch tips. To manage this issue, it is advisable to prune away any dead tips and ensure that no dead or diseased branches remain on the tree. Maintaining tree health through regular fertilization can also help prevent twig blight.