Bald Cypress Tree Propagation

Cypress trees are easy to propagate.

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a large, deciduous conifer tree endemic to North America. It receives its common name due to the fact that the branches appear bald through winter when the tree drops its needles. Bald cypress plays an integral role in wetland ecosystems in the southern United States, but the tree grows well in a variety of soil conditions across the country. Bald cypress trees are easy to propagate from seed.

Description

Bald cypress trees, which have a medium growth rate, live over 200 years and can grow over 100 feet tall; young trees have a pyramidal growth habit, but, as the tree matures, the upper canopy spreads outward and can grow up to 60 feet across. In wet environments, bald cypress trees raise pneumatophores (called "knees") above the roots, so that the tree roots can obtain oxygen in standing water.

Collecting Seeds

Bald cypress trees produce small, round cones that contain the seeds. Harvest cones early in the fall before the cones are ripe, and allow them to dry. Break dry cones apart and collect the seeds. Bald cypress tree seeds require physiological dormancy in order to germinate properly, according to the University of Kentucky. Place the seeds in a moist planting medium and chill them in a refrigerator for 60 days before planting the seeds in a potting medium.

Planting Seeds

Sow seeds in potting soil and maintain soil moisture to facilitate germination. Place the seedling in full sunlight and water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Bald cypress seedlings grow rapidly and may obtain a height of 8 to 30 inches during their first year. Bald cypress trees are vulnerable to competition from weeds; cultivating seedlings in containers allows the tree to establish healthy growth before being transplanted to its permanent growing location. The best time to plant bald cypress seedlings on your property is when the tree is dormant (from November to March) according to the University of Florida.

Care

Water bald cypress trees regularly to maintain soil moisture through the growing season. Place a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of seedling cypress trees to help maintain soil moisture and prevent weeds from competing with young trees. Monitor young trees carefully for signs of pests and disease and keep the planting area free from weeds until the tree is firmly established in your landscape. Once established, bald cypress trees require little additional care.

References

• Stanford University; Encyclopedia of Stanford Trees, Shrubs, and Vines; Bald Cypress
• University of Alabama, Huntsville; Bald Cypress
• University of Florida; Planting Cypress; Susan W. Vince and Mary L. Duryea; February 2011
• University of Wisconsin; Baldcypress; L. P. Wilhite and J. R. Toliver
• University of Kentucky; Bald Cypress; Propagation Method