In previous articles I wrote of some of the quintessential Southern and East Texas trees such as Oaks and Pines now its time for three more trees that scream out “We are in the South”. The Magnolia, Sweetgum, and Bald Cypress evoke lazy summer days in the woods or on the water. These trees are occasionally thought of as water hogs, but generally only the Sweetgum will need additional watering in dry summers. All three can handle a bit of flooding with the bald cypress able to withstand growing in standing water.

The Bald Cypress tree is a deciduous conifer with a pyramidal shape, delightful aromatic scent, and usually reliable fall color even if a bit subtle, in its orange to ruddy brown shade It grows quite tall to around 100 feet. If the ground in which it grows is swampy it will put up “knees”. These woody growths are charming, interesting, or annoying depending on the owner’s attitude. Mulch around them instead of removing them and know the tree is worth the intrusion. The tree produces seed pods that can float away to new areas to sprout. Two varieties of Bald Cypress to consider are Montezuma and Pond. Pond Cypress is narrower and Montezuma larger, but not as likely to put up knees than the native Bald. All are fine trees in our area.

The Southern Magnolia is one of the last of the ancient flowering evergreens left in the post ice age world. Its flowers grace us with a magnificent scent and the glossy leaves are showy year-round. It may need supplemental watering in extreme droughts, especially if very large. Grown as a forest tree, it does not reach its largest size and does not flower as prolifically as it does as a specimen. Given shade from the western sun it will be most happy. Its greatest drawback is its need to grow wide and cover the ground around it. Since it drops leaves all year long it is wise to keep the lower limbs to cover this drop and give it the monumental shape it desires. Alas our yards tend to be too small for this tree except in rare settings. A nice alternative to the Southern Magnolia is the Sweetbay Magnolia, which is smaller in all aspects. It fits our yards nicely but needs much more water than its big cousin. It is deciduous or half deciduous depending on the severity of winter. Both Magnolias produce interesting seedpods.

The third tree in this odd grouping of seed pod producers is the Sweetgum tree. The large Maple like leaves color nicely in the fall even in warm Houston. It needs water in dry times as it is adapted to very swampy conditions. Its growth when young is pyramidal and straight up, but then rounds out and spreads in maturity. The Heights once had large numbers of old Sweetgums, but the severe droughts in 2012 and after took a toll on them. In an area that gets supplemental watering such as an azalea bed a Sweetgum will grow well.

All three of these trees are fine plants for our area and if the environment in which they are planted is evaluated they will be beautiful for centuries.