Bald Cypress vs Boston Fern

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

Cupressaceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Bald Cypress (Zones 4-10)

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Bald Cypress	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Taxodium distichum	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Cupressaceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	trees	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Moist to Wet	Rich, Moist
Height	70'	3'
Spread	30'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Green	None
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Southeastern US	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Bald Cypress

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Bald Cypress

✓Despite swamp origins, grows well in normal soil with adequate moisture.
✓Extremely wind-resistant.
✓Long-lived — can survive 600+ years.
✓Virtually pest-free.

Boston Fern

✓Mist frequently or use humidity tray.
✓Water when top inch of soil is dry.
✓Keep away from heating vents.
✓Trim brown fronds at base.
✓Divide when crowded.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Bald Cypress if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with high water in zones 4–10.

Choose Boston Fern if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with high water in zones 9–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Bald CypressProfile →View Boston FernProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bald Cypress and Boston Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Bald Cypress grows in USDA zones 4-10, while Boston Fern grows in zones 9-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 10.

Do Bald Cypress and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Bald Cypress needs full sun and high water, while Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Bald Cypress or Boston Fern?

Bald Cypress grows taller at 70' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Bald Cypress spreads 30' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Bald Cypress and Boston Fern deer resistant?

Yes, both Bald Cypress and Boston Fern are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Bald Cypress or Boston Fern?

Bald Cypress has low maintenance while Boston Fern has medium maintenance. Bald Cypress may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Bald Cypress	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Taxodium distichum	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Cupressaceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	trees	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Moist to Wet	Rich, Moist
Height	70'	3'
Spread	30'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Green	None
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Southeastern US	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Bald Cypress

✓Despite swamp origins, grows well in normal soil with adequate moisture.
✓Extremely wind-resistant.
✓Long-lived — can survive 600+ years.
✓Virtually pest-free.

Boston Fern

✓Mist frequently or use humidity tray.
✓Water when top inch of soil is dry.
✓Keep away from heating vents.
✓Trim brown fronds at base.
✓Divide when crowded.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Bald Cypress if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with high water in zones 4–10.

Choose Boston Fern if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with high water in zones 9–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bald Cypress and Boston Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Bald Cypress grows in USDA zones 4-10, while Boston Fern grows in zones 9-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 10.

Do Bald Cypress and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Bald Cypress needs full sun and high water, while Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Bald Cypress or Boston Fern?

Bald Cypress grows taller at 70' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Bald Cypress spreads 30' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Bald Cypress and Boston Fern deer resistant?

Yes, both Bald Cypress and Boston Fern are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Bald Cypress or Boston Fern?

Bald Cypress has low maintenance while Boston Fern has medium maintenance. Bald Cypress may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.