Taxodium

The genus Taxodium consists of three deciduous coniferous trees. Usually, only a strong taxodium double-row or marsh cypress (Taxodium distichum) is grown. This is one of the few coniferous plants that shed their leaves for the winter, for which in Europe it is called the "bald cypress". The plant looks great in its natural environment. It lives for more than 500 years, there are even millennial specimens. The erect trunk extending to the base is covered with fibrous brown-red bark, often with smooth cracks. The crown is openwork, lowered low, and can be different shapes range from columnar to conical or rounded. In autumn, along with the needles, branches of the second order fall off. Flattened needle-shaped leaves-needles about 1 cm long are arranged on the branches in a "comb" in two uniform rows in the same plane on both sides of the axis (two-row arrangement). On shoots of the first order, the location is regular. The color of needles in spring and summer is pale green, in autumn-brownish-red. In April, nondescript flowers (monoecious plants) bloom. Male flowers are collected in long drooping inflorescences. Female ones are much shorter; they form rounded cones (strobils) - at first green, then brown.

The genus Taxodium consists of three deciduous coniferous trees. Usually, only a strong taxodium double-row or marsh cypress (Taxodium distichum) is grown. This is one of the few coniferous plants that shed their leaves for the winter, for which in Europe it is called the "bald cypress". The plant looks great in its natural environment. It lives for more than 500 years, there are even millennial specimens. The erect trunk extending to the base is covered with fibrous brown-red bark, often with smooth cracks. The crown is openwork, lowered low, and can be different shapes range from columnar to conical or rounded. In autumn, along with the needles, branches of the second order fall off. Flattened needle-shaped leaves-needles about 1 cm long are arranged on the branches in a "comb" in two uniform rows in the same plane on both sides of the axis (two-row arrangement). On shoots of the first order, the location is regular. The color of needles in spring and summer is pale green, in autumn-brownish-red. In April, nondescript flowers (monoecious plants) bloom. Male flowers are collected in long drooping inflorescences. Female ones are much shorter; they form rounded cones (strobils) - at first green, then brown.

Cultivation

The taxodium is located in parks and gardens near ponds (even in the middle of a reservoir), lakes, and streams. In a permanent place, plants can be planted in early spring (April). The taxodium tolerates transplants quite well. Plants prefer fertile, very moist soils. However, taxodiums also grow on poor and dry soils. The taxodium is growing fast. Flowering and fruiting-from the age of 10.

Location

Taxodium is light-loving, prefers open sun, grows normally in partial shade, the main thing is that the place is protected from cold winds.

Temperature

Taxodiums are extremely hardy plants that can tolerate even frosts.

Watering

Watering is required only for young plants immediately after transplanting.

Reproduction

The most common method is using seeds. It is carried out in March-April, using very moist soil. After germination, the seedlings are planted singly, then periodically transplanted, necessarily - in larger containers, until-after about 2 years-they are placed in a permanent place. Propagate and cuttings.

The most common method is using seeds. It is carried out in March-April, using very moist soil. After germination, the seedlings are planted singly, then periodically transplanted, necessarily - in larger containers, until-after about 2 years-they are placed in a permanent place.

Propagate and cuttings.

Diseases

Plants of the genus Taxodium are extremely resistant to diseases and pests. Problems can arise if they are planted in calcareous soil - here they become ill with chlorosis, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and brown. You can protect plants by placing them in suitable soil, or by adding iron chelate, which is easy to buy in the store.

Acquisition

Taxodium is quite easy to find in specialized nurseries and some gardening centers. It is preferable to choose plants of relatively small size (no more than 1 m in height), since they are easier to handle when planted in a permanent place. The best time to buy is the end of March or the beginning of April, when you can immediately make a landing.