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| Category: Tree |
| Family: Cupressaceae (incl. Taxodiaceae) (Cypresses) |
| Origin: Mexico (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: NA |
| Bloomtime: Not Significant |
| Synonyms: [Taxodium huegelii] |
| Height: 60-80 feet |
| Width: 20-40 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Drought Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 0-10° F |
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Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Cypress) - This beautiful Mexican native can grow in dry soils, however it will grow slower, or in well-watered areas like lawns. Montezuma cypress has a broad, spreading crown with strong, horizontal branches and delicate, weeping branchlets with pinnately arranged flattened bright green needles. The bark, often described as shreddy, is a pale tan color. The roots of trees growing in standing water can send up conical projections ("knees") but those that experience periodic drying out, such as those growing along stream courses or in cultivation, are less likely to form these. Plant in full sun and irrigate regularly to occasionally. Widely noted as hardy to around 10°F but we have been told that it can actually tolerate temperatures below 0°F . Typically planted as a large tree we have also seen this plant kept as a large interesting hedge. This tree is closely related to the deciduous bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) of southeastern United States but even in colder years Montezuma Cypress tends to hold some foliage, though it often turns an orange brown color, and in frost-free years is evergreen. This plant is native to much of Mexico and to the Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas. There are many large specimens of this plant in Santa Barbara (the specimens in Plaza Vera Cruz Neighborhood Park are particularly notable) and Mexico's most famous tree; a giant specimen called the Tule is thought to be more than 2,000 years old with a girth of 165 feet. It has been said that the Tule at Santa Maria del Tule is the world's largest single biomass. This plant has long been in cultivation as Taxodium mucronatum but the current correct name is Taxodium huegelii - we retain the name Taxodium mucronatum until Taxodium huegelii gets broader acceptance.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Taxodium mucronatum .
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