A deciduous conifer (it sheds needles each fall, hence "bald") that thrives where most trees would drown. Their iconic "knees" rising from swamp water are still poorly understood — possibly for oxygen, structural support, or both.

Also called: Bald Cypress, Southern Cypress, Swamp Cypress

Native status: Native to southeastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeMature height 30–50 m (100–165 ft); trunk diameter 2–5 m above buttress
WeightN/A
LifespanAverage 400–600 years; verified individuals over 2,600 years (Black River, NC)
OrderCupressales
FamilyCupressaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Taxodium distichum is a deciduous conifer in the family Cupressaceae. It is native to the Southeastern United States. Hardy and tough, this tree adapts to a wide range of soil types, whether wet, salty, dry, or swampy. It is noted for the russet-red fall color of its lacy needles.

Source: Wikipedia — Taxodium distichum Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tall pyramidal conifer with feathery soft needles in flat sprays; rusty-orange fall color (deciduous); fluted-buttressed trunk; knees emerging from water around base.

Similar species. Pond Cypress (smaller, scaly leaves rather than feathery). Dawn Redwood (Asia; introduced ornamental). Other conifers don't drop needles seasonally.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Deciduous conifer — rare combination. Dominant tree of southern swamps. Develops distinctive "knees" (woody projections from horizontal roots) — long thought to provide oxygen exchange for waterlogged roots, but recent research suggests their main role is structural support in soft mud. Wood is exceptionally rot-resistant; pre-Columbian cypress logs are still excavated and used for premium lumber.

§ Range

Southeastern US from Delaware to Texas, north along Mississippi to Indiana

§ Habitat

Swamps, river floodplains, slow streams

§ Threats

Logging of old-growth swamp forest, levee-building disrupting flood regimes, sea-level rise drowning coastal stands.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the bald cypress is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support bottomland forest protection. Donate to Black River and Atchafalaya conservation. Reduce coastal development pressure.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • National Park Service Big Cypress
  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
  • Black River cypress dating (Stahle et al.)
  • IUCN Red List 2013