Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
A major characteristic of the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is that it is hardy and tough and would adapt to any soil type common in the southeastern United States. It is also called swamp cypress, red cypress, and tidewater red cypress. In Louisiana, it is the official state tree. The tree is large, has a longer life span, and a slow-growth rate. Above its roots are cypress knees, while the thin, fibrous bark is grayish-brown or reddish-brown. It has simple, alternate, green needle-like leaves, which it sheds during winter and grows new ones in spring. It can tolerate shade and humid conditions. It is a common source of timber or wood for making homes, canoes, and coffins.
Bald Cypresss have a typical overall height between 50’-75’ (15.2-22.9 m) and spread diameter of 25’-40' (7.6-12.2 m). Exceptional mature Bald Cypress trees may grow to heights of 120’ (37 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Bald Cypress has a diameter of 3’-6’ (.9-1.8 m) with needle-like leaf lengths between .6”-.8” (15-20 mm).
A major characteristic of the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is that it is hardy and tough and would adapt to any soil type common in the southeastern United States. It is also called swamp cypress, red cypress, and tidewater red cypress. In Louisiana, it is the official state tree. The tree is large, has a longer life span, and a slow-growth rate. Above its roots are cypress knees, while the thin, fibrous bark is grayish-brown or reddish-brown. It has simple, alternate, green needle-like leaves, which it sheds during winter and grows new ones in spring. It can tolerate shade and humid conditions. It is a common source of timber or wood for making homes, canoes, and coffins.
Bald Cypresss have a typical overall height between 50’-75’ (15.2-22.9 m) and spread diameter of 25’-40' (7.6-12.2 m). Exceptional mature Bald Cypress trees may grow to heights of 120’ (37 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Bald Cypress has a diameter of 3’-6’ (.9-1.8 m) with needle-like leaf lengths between .6”-.8” (15-20 mm).
