|Taxodium ascendens has a columnar growth habit; it is a deciduous conifer with spreading branches. Needle-like foliage is bright green, turns orangish-brown in fall. New foliage often late emerging, sometimes as late as early summer. Both male and female flowers are loose panicles, not showy. Cones are rounded, less than 1 1/2 inches long, purplish and resinous when young, maturing into brown. Prefers moist acidic soil, full sun, adaptable. Excellent for large areas such as parks, large properties, as a specimen or massed. Native from Virginia to Alabama.