Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress

Name: Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 23409
Price: 90.58 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson'

Nature Hills Nursery

$90⁵⁸

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best growth and that classic pyramidal shape, plant your Shawnee Brave in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can handle some light afternoon shade, too much shade will cause the foliage to thin out and lose its dense, lush appearance.
Soil: This cultivar is famous for its adaptability, thriving in everything from boggy, wet spots to dry upland sites. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting to help with drainage, though this tree is a champ at handling "wet feet" where other trees might struggle with root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, give your tree about 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the root system expand into the surrounding soil. Once it is established, the Shawnee Brave is surprisingly drought-tolerant for a cypress, but inconsistent moisture during extreme heat can lead to early needle drop or "bronzing." Aim to keep the soil consistently moist if you want to maintain the most vibrant green color throughout the summer.

Pruning Tips

Because this variety is bred for a naturally narrow and uniform shape, you will rarely need to pick up the shears. If you must prune to remove a wayward branch, do it in late winter while the tree is dormant so you do not interrupt the spring growth spurt. Think of pruning as a light "grooming" rather than a heavy cut, as this tree performs best when its central leader is left untouched to maintain its stately height.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the new buds begin to swell to fuel the season's growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. Using a fertilizer specifically labeled for acid-loving plants can also help keep the foliage deep green if your soil is naturally alkaline.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

At a glance, you'd think you were looking at an evergreen tree. The cone shape and the needle-esque foliage certainly give it that appearance. However, after closer inspection, you'll see that the Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson') is actually a deciduous evergreen tree and the needles are very fine-textured and soft. You'll love the intriguing blend of styles this tree brings to your yard!

Often found in parks bunched together, this Midwest native cultivar is unlike most other cone-bearing trees. The Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress loses its needles each winter, giving it the appearance it is going 'bald'. However, during the spring and summer months, this tree's needles are a gorgeous deep shade of emerald.

Before balding for the winter, this tree has a surprise in store. The Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress will turn a vivid shade of rust orange in a glorious display of fall color! You may have memories of walking through a park and marveling at the different colored needles.

Growing tall and straight, the Shawnee Brave® grows 50 - 60 feet tall and spreads 20 - 30 feet wide. Hardy and adaptable throughout a wide range of USDA planting zones from 4 to 11!

Planting and Application:

Gardeners and landscapers alike love the versatility and hardiness of the Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress. The uses for this Cypress tree are nearly endless! For added interest, try planting these in a more natural-looking grove in groups of 3 to 5. This will make it look as though nature itself decided the location.

Use them as a backdrop for your garden to give your lovely perennial garden a deep green screen that'll make the flower colors pop. Using a Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress tree is a fantastic way to create a privacy screen between you and your neighbors. It will also act as a windbreaker and shade tree for those gusty hot summer days!

This tree has a long history starting in the Southeastern swamps, bayous, and rivers. Today, it can be found anywhere from the salty coastal areas of Maryland to the dryer parts of lower Texas and the Southern Midwest.

Investing in a Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress not only gives you a multitude of landscaping options but also provides a stunning shade tree that requires very little additional maintenance. These trees don't mind their feet getting wet, so Shawnee Brave® is the perfect addition to your Rain Garden, or for naturalizing near water sources and areas that can be occasionally flooded.

Use one or two of these trees as centerpieces to your yard or add a few to your property border to add some fall interest. You'll be hard-pressed to find a hardier, more adaptable tree no matter what kind of environment you live in.

Deep Green, Feather-Like Foliage
Pleasing Pyramidal Shape
Bright Orange Fall Color
Unique Deciduous Conifer
Fantastic Wildlife Tree
Perfect Specimens & Shade for Windbreaks or Privacy Screens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

While the Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress started as a swamp and water-loving tree, it does quite well in any type of soil as long as it has access to a bit of water. For best results, plant in acidic or sandy soil that drains well. Provide supplemental moisture for established plants to get through extended drought and heat, but these trees are often drought-tolerant once established.

They also thrive in bright sunny spots that get the occasional touch of shade. They are truly versatile trees! We highly recommend Nature Hills Root Booster during planting.

When planting, keep in mind the magnificent size your full-grown Shawnee Brave® will soon be. No need to crowd when planting them as younglings because these fast-growing trees will look best when given room to spread. There's also little need to worry about deer damage as deer populations will more often than not leave these trees alone.

All plants perform best with a 3-4 inch layer of mulch over their roots. Once established, provide supplemental moisture during heat and prolonged drought. If needed, prune to correct and adjust shape in the very early spring. These weeping Cypresses handle urban conditions, sun, partial shade, and a variety of soil types without missing a beat.

Full Sun & Some Part Shade
Widely Adaptable to All Environments
Tolerates Wet, Heavy & Clay Soils
Prune If Needed Early Spring
Low Maintenance Hardy & Long-Lived Tree

If you're looking for a dependable yet interesting tree, the Shawnee Brave® Bald Cypress is for you! Its charming featherlike needles and its rust-colored show in the fall make it perfect for all landscapes! Order yours today at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson'
Class
- Coniferopsida
Species

distichum
Cultivar

Mickelson
Growing Zones

4-11
Height

50-60 ft
Width

20-30 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Leaf Color
- Green
- Orange
- Brown
Fall Color

Orange
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-11

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress suitable for?

The Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 11. This exceptionally wide range makes it adaptable to both cold northern climates and hot southern regions. Plant it confidently anywhere from Minnesota to Florida.

How tall and wide does Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress grow at maturity?

The Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress reaches 50-60 feet tall with a 20-30 foot spread at maturity. This impressive size makes it perfect for creating natural privacy screens or windbreaks in zones 4-11. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile native cultivar.

Does Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress tolerate wet or poorly drained soil?

Yes, Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress thrives in wet and poorly drained conditions. This tree originates from Southeastern swamps, bayous, and rivers where it naturally grows in saturated soils. Plant it in your wettest spots or near water features for best results.

How much sunlight does Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress need?

Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This hardy tree adapts well across USDA zones 4-11 and tolerates various light conditions. For best growth and fall color, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How often should I water a newly planted Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress?

Water newly planted Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress deeply 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. This hardy tree (zones 4-11) needs consistent moisture to establish its root system. Reduce frequency once established, as it adapts well to various conditions. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

When and how should I prune Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress?

Prune Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress during late winter while dormant, before new growth begins. This deciduous conifer requires minimal pruning due to its naturally straight growth habit. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and lightly shape if needed.

Is Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress deer resistant or tolerant?

Bald cypress trees, including Shawnee Brave, are generally deer resistant due to their resinous bark and needle-like foliage that deer typically avoid. This hardy tree thrives in zones 4-11 and reaches 50-60 feet tall. For best results, plant away from heavily browsed areas during the tree's establishment period.

What is the best time of year to plant Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress?

Plant Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress in early spring after the last frost or in fall 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. This hardy tree adapts well across USDA zones 4-11, giving you flexibility in timing. Choose spring for faster establishment or fall for less watering demands.

Will Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress grow well in urban or polluted areas?

Yes, Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress tolerates urban pollution well due to its exceptional hardiness across zones 4-11. This adaptable tree handles challenging conditions better than most conifers. Plant it as a natural windbreak or privacy screen in city settings for best results.