Baldcypress
Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson'
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–75 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun.
medium to high water50–75 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson'
- Variety / cultivar
- SHAWNEE BRAVE™
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–75 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–10
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, orange
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Frequently asked questions
- Is Baldcypress good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Baldcypress is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Baldcypress get?
- It matures to about 50–75 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Baldcypress need?
- Give Baldcypress about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Baldcypress grow into?
- Baldcypress typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Baldcypress hardy on the Front Range?
- Baldcypress is hardy in USDA 4–10. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Baldcypress need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does Baldcypress grow?
- Baldcypress is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Baldcypress live?
- Baldcypress is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Baldcypress turn in fall?
- Baldcypress turns bronze and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Baldcypress native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Baldcypress deer-resistant?
- Baldcypress is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
