Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete) Taxodium mucronatum
Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete) (Taxodium mucronatum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cupressaceae family, native to Mexico, Guatemala and southern Texas. It grows 20–40 m (66–131 ft) tall and 10–25 m (33–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
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Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 m (66–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico, Guatemala and southern Texas |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete)
- How far apart should I plant Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete)?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–25 m (33–82 ft).
- Does Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- Is Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- National tree of Mexico. The Tule tree in Oaxaca has the stoutest trunk of any tree (about 14 m across). Mostly evergreen; drapes weeping branchlets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis
- Leyland cypress x Cuprocyparis leylandii
- Hinoki cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Northern white cedar (arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis
- Common juniper Juniperus communis