Bald Cypress Tree Seeds | Swamp Cypress | (Taxodium distichum)
Bald Cypress Tree Seeds | Swamp Cypress | (Taxodium distichum)
Ancient. Flood-tolerant. Spectacular in autumn.
Taxodium distichum, the Bald Cypress, is a tree that defies expectations. A conifer that sheds its needles, it thrives in standing water yet performs just as well on dry land. Native to southern swamps but hardy far into colder climates, it brings soft, feathery foliage that turns a rich coppery-orange each fall. Long-lived, adaptable, and visually striking, it is one of the most versatile and fascinating trees you can grow.
- Deciduous conifer with soft needles that drop in fall
- Exceptionally flood-tolerant, ideal for wet or low-lying areas
- Unexpected coppery-orange fall color
- Cold-hardy well beyond its native southern range
- Long-lived, with some trees exceeding 1,000 years
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
It dates back to the age of dinosaurs.
Bald Cypress belongs to an ancient lineage over 90 million years old, with fossils nearly identical to modern trees found across the northern hemisphere.
The knees are still not fully understood.
The distinctive root projections, known as knees, may help stabilize the tree in wet soils and possibly assist with oxygen exchange, though their exact function remains debated.
The wood resists decay for centuries.
Bald Cypress heartwood contains natural preservatives, allowing it to remain intact even after long periods submerged in water.
It thrives far beyond wetlands.
Despite its swamp origins, Bald Cypress grows exceptionally well in standard landscape soils, making it far more versatile than most expect.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Taxodium distichum
- Stratification: Required; 90 days cold moist stratification
- USDA Zones: 4–11
- Soil: Extremely adaptable; tolerates flooded or dry conditions
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 50–70 feet in cultivation
- Spread: 20–30 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (1.5–2.5 ft/year)
Plant it at the edge of water if you have it, or anywhere else if you do not. It will surprise you either way.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
