Montezuma Cypress
Taxodium mucronatum
Some of the oldest living trees in the world belong to this species (e.g., El Árbol del Tule).
Field reference
Family
Cupressaceae
Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
70–130+ ft tall, 30–50 ft spread
Hardiness zone
7-11
Soil preference
Moist to wet soils; thrives in riparian and floodplain environments
Sun
Full Sun
Pruning window
Late winter (minimal pruning recommended)
Wood properties
Lightweight, durable, naturally rot-resistant in wet conditions
Native range
Mexico and southern Texas (riparian systems)
Green weight
45 lb/ft³
Common questions
Why is it called ahuehuete?
Ahuehuete is the Nahuatl name meaning 'old man of the water,' referring to its longevity and wetland habitat.
Is Montezuma cypress evergreen?
No. It is a deciduous conifer that sheds its leaves in winter.
How long do ahuehuete trees live?
They can live for over 1,000 years, with some specimens exceeding 2,000 years.
Where do ahuehuete trees grow naturally?
They grow along rivers, springs, and wetlands in Mexico and southern Texas.
Is Montezuma cypress good for landscaping?
Yes, especially in wet or flood-prone areas, but it needs space to grow very large.
Related species in Cupressaceae
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