Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.

Horticultural & Botanical History

Introduced to Europe by John Tradescant in 1640.  Suited to damp conditions.  [JD, Hilliers’].  Saint-Hilaire Arb. pl.24/1824.  ‘Taxodium distichum (The Deciduous Cypress). — Habitat, Southern States of North America.  Introduced about 1640.  A tree of gigantic proportions in its native country, where it attains a height of 120 feet, and a girth of 40 feet.  It is peculiarly a moisture-loving tree, and reaches its fullest development in the swamps and marshes of the Southern United States.  It there furnishes a valuable timber, light but strong, of a fine grain, splits easily into shingles, is very durable, and is much used for all economic purposes.  In this country it is not often seen in a luxuriant condition, although it is moderately hardy, and thrives well in favourable spots, especially in the south of England and Ireland.  It naturally prefers moist or swampy situations, and should never be planted on dry and exposed sites.  A striking characteristic of this tree is the curious growths or “knees,” which rise from the roots to a height of a foot or two above the surface of the ground.  They are somewhat conical in shape, and partake of the nature of roots.  Generally they are hollow, and in that state are said to be used by the negroes in the Southern United States as beehives.  The pendulous variety, T. d. pendulum, is a very beautiful object, but will only thrive in the most favourable situations.  [Transactions of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society vol.12, p.223/1888].

History at Camden Park

Listed under the name ‘Cupressus disticha – arbor vitae, deciduous Cypress’ only in the 1843 and 1845 catalogues.  ‘Taxodium distichum’ is listed in 1850 and 1857 editions [C.80/1850].  These are almost certainly the same plants and it seems likely that Macarthur updated the name before he printed the 1850 catalogue.  Originally received per the ‘Sovereign’ in February 1831 under the name Cupressus disticha.  [MP A2948].

Notes

Taxodium distichum H.B. & K. (1815) = Taxodium mucronatum Ten. which see.