Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Baldcypress)

Taxodium mucronatum tree with lush light green leaves needle foliage standing near water
Taxodium mucronatum tree with light green needle foliage growing near a small pond

Botanical names: Taxodium mucronatum, Taxodium mexicanum, Cuprespinnata mexicana

Common names: Montezuma Baldcypress, Mexican Cypress, Tree of Tule

Family: Cupressaceae    (Formerly:Taxodiaceae / Cupressaceae)

Subfamily: Taxodioideae

Origin: Mexico

USDA Zone: 9-10

Large tree taller than 20 ftPlant form: Large tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Keep soil moistKeep soil wet: Bog or aquatic plantWatering: Keep soil moist; bog or aquatic
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage
Deciduous plantFoliage: Deciduous
Flood tolerant plantFlood tolerance: High
Invasive plantInvasive: Can spread quickly, needs control

In Mexico, it is known as Ahuehueta, meaning "old man of the water". This deciduous tree of wetlands has broad, spreading crown with strong, horizontal branches and delicate, weeping branchlets. The leaves are 0.24 to 0.48 inch (6-12 mm) long. The roots of trees growing in standing water often send up conical projections ("knees"). Before the leaves drop, they turn spectacular bright orange to rusty brown. Usually occurs on moist soils along streams, or on low, poorly drained sites. It is drought tolerant when established.

Similar plants: Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Baldcypress)



Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/taxodium_mucronatum.htm