Lindsey's Skyward Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichum 'Skyward'
Height: 20 feet
Spread: 10 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4b
Description:
A genuinely attractive tree for many reasons; its columnar, upswept habit, thread-like foliage held in dense clumps along the ascending branches, turning rusty orange-brown in fall, curious knobby knees when planted near water; a stunning accent tree
Ornamental Features
Lindsey's Skyward Bald Cypress is primarily valued in the landscape for its rigidly columnar form. It has emerald green deciduous foliage. The ferny bipinnately compound leaves turn an outstanding harvest gold in the fall. The shaggy silver bark and antique red branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Lindsey's Skyward Bald Cypress is a dense deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Lindsey's Skyward Bald Cypress is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Shade
- Vertical Accent
Planting & Growing
Lindsey's Skyward Bald Cypress will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!
This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.