Montezuma cypress A medium to large sized deciduous conifer, Taxodium mucronatum is related to the Swamp Cypress. This Mexican Cypress will, in very mild areas, retain some foliage through the winter. The leaves are made up of soft green needles and are held in drooping branches giving the tree elegance. The mature tree can develop huge buttressed trunks. In its native territory, the Mexican Cypress is steeped in cultural significance, as it has been known to live for over 2,000 years; one example in Oaxaca, Mexico has been given the title of 'the widest tree on Earth'. It even has its own fiesta every October. It grows well in damp, mild situations with some shelter and makes a good specimen tree near water. Site: Sheltered sitesSoil: Well drained but moist soils, will tolerate acid to alkalinePosition: Full sunSeason of Interest: Spring foliage, Autumn colour, curiosityHardiness: Half hardy, ideal for Southern and Western Irish areasHeight: 50-80ft (15-25m) Spread: 20-40ft (6-12m)