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MONTEZUMA CYPRESS
Taxodium mucronatum or T. distichum var. mexicana
(Taks-OH-de-um muh-kron-AH-tum) or (T. DIS-tik-um meks-sih-KAY-nuh)
Montezuma Bald Cypress or Mexican Cypress
| Family |
Taxodiaceae |
| Description |
While taxonomists disagree on its classification, this wonderful tree is closely related to T. distichum (bald cypress) and shares most of its outstanding characteristics, yet is distinct |
| Plant habit |
Medium to tall tree with an open, spreading habit
(Bald cypress is upright and dense) |
| Landscape use |
Plant as a specimen or in a massed group |
| Average mature size |
45-80’ tall x 40-50’ wide |
| Growth rate |
Slow to fast, depending on water availability and soil fertility
Extremely long lived |
| Sun exposure |
Sun |
| Soil requirements |
Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions |
| Water requirements |
Low; tolerant of dry conditions (more so than bald cypress)
Less tendency to develop root “knees” (good to consider if planted in lawn) |
| Heat tolerance |
High; adapts to urban conditions (refl ected street heat and polluted air) |
| Foliage |
Semi evergreen to evergreen
Light green needles shed in spring and immediately produce new foliage (earlier than bald cypress)
Sheds quickly when temperatures drop to 25 degrees Fahrenheit
Yellow fall color is insignificant (unlike bald cypress) |
| Flowers |
Male flowers on long racemes (bald cypress male, short clusters) |
| Blooming period |
Spring |
| Fruit characteristics |
Globose, brown cones |
| Pests and disease |
None serious |
| Other |
May be more salt tolerant than bald cypress
Native to the canyons of Mexico’s Sierra Madres and deep south Texas |
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