Taxodium distichum var. imbricatum
Common name: Pond cypress
Taxodium distichum var. imbricatum is a deciduous conifer native to the southeastern United States. It is often found on the peripheries of ponds and lakes although it grows perfectly well in average garden soil. It is similar in form and habit to the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum).
T. distichum var. imbricatum has feathery, bright green, scale-like foliage during spring and summer. In the fall the foliage turns orange-brown before it drops. This leads some people to think there's something wrong with the tree.
Its genus name comes from the Latin word 'Taxus' meaning 'yew'. The variety name means 'overlapping' in reference to the needle arrangement of the foliage. Other names are Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium, Taxodium ascendens.
T. distichum var. imbricatum can be found on the Autumn Stroll.
During the winter of 2023, there were several heavy snowfalls. The poor Taxodium distichum var. imbricatum did not fare well. Its leader was bent over completely so that it was parallel to the ground. The leader was removed, and the photo shows what it looks like today.
Text and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe