Montezuma bald cypress (Taxodium mucronatum)
Montezuma bald cypress, also known as Mexican bald cypress, Mexican cypress, Ahuehuete
The Montezuma bald cypress (Taxodium mucronatum) is a notable tree featuring soft green needles. Typically reaching heights of 23 to 24 meters (75-80 feet), it can be evergreen in warmer climates, while in cooler regions, it may become partially or fully deciduous. This tree exhibits a graceful, slender form with a thick base, and its bark is tan and peels in strips.
The Montezuma bald cypress thrives in environments with consistent moisture, commonly found along the edges of ponds, lakes, and rivers. Unlike other cypress species, it seldom develops the distinctive cypress knees. This tree prefers full sunlight and flourishes in wet, well-drained soils, making it well-adapted to riparian and wetland areas.