Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. var. nutans (Ait.) Endl.
An upright tree with the trunk expanded at the base, a conical to columnar crown, and short- triangular branches. The variety nutans is deciduous, the shoots strongly erect at first, then with pendulous tips. See also see Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Probably introduced to Europe about 1789. It was first botanically described by Aiton of Kew at this time. ‘[Taxodium ascendens]. A tree with maximum height of about 80 feet and trunk diameter of about 3 feet above the greatly enlarged base, tapering upward, its thick fibrous bark deeply furrowed. Leaves awl-shaped, closely appressed to the slender twigs, 2”-3” long, long-pointed, keeled above, concave beneath, the tips somewhat spreading; cones similar to those of T. distichum. In ponds and swamps, southern Virginia to Florida and Alabama. Wood heavier and stronger than that of the Bald cypress.’ [Britton vol.1, p.64/1896-98]. See also historical notes under Taxodium mucronatum Ten.
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [C.81/1857].
Notes
Taxodium distichum nutans Carrière (1867) = Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. pendens Rehd.
Published Aug 07, 2009 - 12:09 PM | Last updated Jul 31, 2010 - 04:49 PM
| Family | Taxodiaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South east USA |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Deciduous cypress, Pond cypress |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Taxodium nutans |
| Confidence level | high |