Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

Zones: 4a to 9b

Swamp-Adapted Conifer
Deciduous Conifer

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable. Not a food plant

Hazard type

The NC State page lists no poison information. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No toxicity claim found from either ASPCA or NC State Extension for this species. No pet-safety verdict is given, because not appearing in a list does not show a plant is safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4a to 9b
Water needs: high
Mature size: 50-70 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide, with trunk diameters reaching 3-6 feet in older specimens (NC State Extension).
Family: Cupressaceae (cypress family)
Where it comes from: Eastern North America, from Delaware to Florida, west to Texas and Mexico, naturally occurring in southern swamps, bayous, and rivers, mostly in coastal areas (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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