It’s no secret we like Taxodium at SFA Gardens, Nacogdoches, Texas. We’re home to a wide range of varieties, provenances, hybrids, and new forms – perhaps one of the finest collections in the world. Well, here’s a cool clone to think about; it’s a unique fairly easy-to-root dwarf bald cypress – plus it’s a Texas native. It was discovered on the edge of the main lake at JBerry Nursery, which was once Hawkins Nursery at Grand Saline, Texas. As Jim Berry is prone to do with a new plant, he rooted a few, tested them for a while but finally decided not to run with the plant in his product line. It just didn’t fit the mantra of his nursery. It was too slow, too small, no color, and enjoyed a market of maybe ten people, of which he knew I was one. When he asked if I wanted it I said, “let me think about it. Yes.” The image below is the original tree but, to be honest, it had accidentally been cut back a few years ago when the brush along the edge of the lake was being taken care of. This is the regrowth. If you peer through the foliage at the base, there’s a six-inch diameter trunk there.
The original Taxodium distichum ‘Jim’s Little Guy’ near Grand Saline, Texas
I like this plant. I think it’s perfect for the small landscape – enjoying all the attributes of the species, except for size. From our original small start of one gallon plants, we’ve built up a good number of stock plants for cutting wood. It takes 12 weeks to build a decent root system on a cutting. Removed from mist and very lightly fertilized, the liners can be potted up into ones during the first winter. For the best cuttings, it’s best to cut the stock plant back hard to force strong vigorous shoots that root well. For my way of thinking, it’s all about the stock plant.
This clone is not available in the trade that I know of. We think it should be. For the last few years we have been offering the plant at the SFA Gardens two annual plant sales. We find it better than other dwarf balds because of it’s form and dense branching habit – and the fact that it can be rooted in good percentages.
‘Jim’s Little Guy’ enjoys very dense growth and short internodes
Texas A & M University’s extension agent Laura Miller enjoying the shape and form of this dwarf bald cypress
November 17, 2019
Dave Creech 
Dave, I have to tell you. I took another look at “Arsonist’s Daughter” the other night. There’s a description of a bald cypress that left me breathless. Yes, Dave, we were wonder boys, no doubt about it, wonder boys. Thanks and let’s not forget the blueberries in the experimental plots. Duke
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Freezing blueberries is fine but does not degrade any pesticides. I suggest you eat one pint per day. I have met rich Chinese friends who have bought a freezer specifically to hold a year’s supply for their family – so convinced they are of their miraculous therapeutic nature. You could was them before you freeze them – that would remove 99% of any pesticides. Remember all the antioxidants are in the skin. It’s Christmas Eve and I have done my duty with the festivities. Get to chill out and get ready for a new day.
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Taxodium distichum ‘Jim’s Little Guy’ Dwarf Cypress
I bought this tree at a LSU Hilltop Arboretum Sale four years ago. It was about a foot tall and is now about 5 feet tall and growing well. It is perfect for my small garden in Baton Rouge, La. My question: Yesterday while weeding in an area about 6 feet from this tree I discovered a seedling about 9 or 10 inches in height and looking very happy. I have no other Crypress trees in my yard nor know of any nearby. It must have come from “Jim’s Little Guy”. Will it be dwarf as its parent is supposed to be?
Frances Cryer, Baton Rouge
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I doubt it – but you can just watch it for awhile to determine if it has short internodes, tight habit and slower growth rate
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I doubt it but you could watch it a few years to check habit, tight internodes and slower growth rate
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