Cypress, Montezuma

The Montezuma Cypress, also commonly referred to a the Mexican Baldcypress, typically reaches heights between 50 and 80 feet with spreads between 25 and 35 feet. Known for its massive trunk size, the biggest Montezuma Cypress recorded had a 15m diameter at the base of its trunk. The horizontally growing branches create a broad, upright pyramidal crown. Dense when young, the canopy opens up and spreads out more as the tree matures. For best growth, the tree should be planted in moist soil with full sun.

The alternate, simple, needle-like LEAVES are 1/4-1/2” long and drop only in the colder regions (else they stay on all year long).

The FRUIT from the Montezuma Cypress comes in the form of inconspicuous, oval cones. Each dry, brown cone is 1/2-1” in diameter and does not attract wildlife.

The TRUNK tends to grow very straight with a single leader.

The Aztecs used to boil the leaves to create medicine to help with varicose veins, heart problems, coughs, and wounds.