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Native Plant Society of Texas

Montezuma Cypress

Taxodium mucronatum

Other common name(s):

Montezuma Bald Cypress, Mexican Cypress, Ahuehuete, Sabino

Family:

Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

20
to
30
ft.

Spread

3
to
9
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Brown

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Birds

Maintenance

Fast growing and long lived. Native habitat: swamps, streams, river banks at sea level. Native to only a few counties near the Rio Grand. Could suffer winter damage in Central Texas northward. Propagation: seed, stem cutting.

Comments

Blooms February-March. Large, needle-leaf, aquatic tree with tall, straight trunk and broad crown of spreading branches and drooping twigs, evergreen or nearly so. Trunk enlarged at base with ridges above. Montezuma cypress rarely produces cypress knees from the roots. Bark is gray to brown, scaly and twigs reddish brown. The reproductive parts are in tiny cones of separate sexes on the same tree. The seeds are produced in one growing season. After fertilization, globose female cones grow to 1″ in diameter and become woody. When mature, cones fall apart releasing seeds.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Remove leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting to expose the nodes. Apply a rooting hormone to the cut end to enhance root development, focusing on the exposed nodes. Fill a pot with a well-draining propagation mix, such as a blend of peat moss and perlite. Insert the cutting into the potting mix, ensuring that several nodes are buried beneath the surface. Moisten the mix lightly. Place the pot in a location that maintains a humid environment and receives indirect sunlight, which will support the rooting process without causing excessive moisture loss. A plastic cover can be used to help maintain high humidity levels around the cutting. Check the moisture of the potting mix regularly, keeping it consistently damp but not waterlogged. Roots typically begin to form in a few weeks. After roots have established, gradually acclimate the cutting to normal environmental conditions before final planting. nce rooted, transplant montezuma bald cypress into a larger container or permanent location, ensuring it is in a sunny area with ample space for growth. Montezuma bald cypress thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Regular watering is crucial, especially in dry periods, as montezuma bald cypress is often found naturally in wet environments. During the first growing season, focus on establishing a strong root system and be vigilant about pest management. As montezuma bald cypress matures, reduce the frequency of watering to promote hardiness. The optimal time for propagating montezuma bald cypress is during late autumn to early winter using cuttings. Begin by selecting a healthy branch from a mature montezuma bald cypress. The branch should be about 6-8 inches in length and include several nodes. This part of the branch will serve as your cutting. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Taxodium_mucronatum.html#:~:text=Montezuma%20bald%20cypress%20is%20best,rooting%20hormone%20for%20optimal%20results.
Seed No Treatment No special treatment is needed for greenhouse germination [2]. Seeds are released upon cone ripening, and germinate as soon as moisture conditions permit. The seeds are only viable for a short period of time. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/taxmuc/all.html#:~:text=The%20seeds%20are%20only%20viable,through%20the%20winter%20%5B4%5D.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason