Swamp Cypress tree identification
The Swamp Cypress Taxodium distichum, a conifer native to the Gulf and south east coastal areas of the USA, was introduced to Britain in1640. In the USA it is found in low lying, waterlogged areas but it can grow well in dry conditions. Also known as the Bald Cypress. The trees form tree islands in the Florida Everglades. In Britain it has been planted in formal gardens and parks. It is long-lived and slow growing. Male catkins hang on the tree all winter and shed pollen in April.
Swamp Cypress tree identification – deciduous conifer, leaves and shoots alternate, male catkins and small green/brown cones. It is a deciduous tree, turning red in autumn and shedding leaves by the end of the year. Its leaves can be confused with those of the Dawn Redwood but the shoots and leaves, if looked at closely, are ‘alternate’ not ‘opposite’. Also the cones are different.
The leaves are arranged alternately along the shoot in two ranks. The leaves of the Dawn Redwood are opposite.