Description
Taxodium ascendens, commonly known as Pond Cypress, is a deciduous conifer native to the southeastern United States. It is closely related to the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) but is typically smaller and more slender in form, often reaching 15 to 21 meters in height. The tree is characterized by its feathery, soft green foliage that turns a rich orange-brown in autumn before falling.
Adapted to wet, swampy habitats, Pond Cypress thrives in standing water, pond edges, and marshes, where its distinctive “knees” (woody projections from the roots) often appear. Its narrow crown, fibrous reddish-brown bark, and graceful foliage make it a striking ornamental tree for water gardens, parks, and large landscapes.
This species is highly valued not only for its beauty but also for its resilience in wet soils and its role in providing habitat for wildlife.