Fungus in Bald Cypress Trees
Bald Cypress Trees (Taxodium distichum) are a member of the Taxodiaceae family and mature to reach 150 feet in height and 12 feet in diameter (See Reference 1). First documented in 1640, the bald cypress has inspired poetry and is well known for its unique appearance. Like many other woody trees, the bald cypress is susceptible to root rot caused by fungus.
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About the Bald Cypress
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Bald Cypress trees are very popular in wetland areas and are capable of living for up to 600 years. The bald cypress tree is very recognizable for its unique buttressed and fluted shape. When this tree is living in wetlands it lays shallow roots that sometimes surface the soil in cones referred to as "knees" (See Reference 1). Although known as a swamp tree, this tree has also been quite successful in dry conditions along streets or in landscapes (See Reference 4). This tree generally has a very long life but it is susceptible to phytophthora root rot (See Reference 3).
About Phytophthora Root Rot
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Phytophthora root rot is caused by a fungus called Phytophthora cinnamomi and is common among different species of woody ornamentals. This fungus spreads through the spores produced by the fungi and can be released into the soil. Root rot thrives in warm climates with an over abundance of water, which is why it has been known to effect the swamp-loving bald cypress tree (See Reference 2).
Symptoms
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Phytophthora root rot is caused by a fungus that infects the roots of the bald cypress tree and damages them to the point that they are unable to absorb enough water and nutrients from the soil necessary for survival. Root rot result in brittle, brown or reddish-brown roots. This can happen to the entire root system or just infect one specific area of the roots. You may also notice fungus on the trunk just above the soil line (See Reference 2).
Caring for the Bald Cypress
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Bald cypress trees thrive in sand, clay, mucky, or loamy well-drained soils with adequate moisture. For the best survival in a wetland setting, the site should not be too wet or too dry. Young bald cypress seedlings can't survive if they are totally submerged by water for more than a month straight (See Reference 1).
Preventing Root Rot
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Inspect all roots for symptoms of this disease before planting them on your property. If you are taking a cutting from an existing plant, make sure the existing plant does not show signs of phytophthora root rot. In cases in which the bald cypress is not planted in a wetland, make sure that the soil does not become over-saturated with water (See Reference 2).
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References
- Photo Credit cypress swamp image by William Knapp from Fotolia.com
