Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum
AKA: Taxodium distichum var. distichum

Size: 3 & 7 Gallon

Tree
Max size: 75’ tall x 45’ wide
Average size: 50′ tall x 30′ wide

Aquatic, Very Moist, Usually Moist
Clay, Loam, Muck, Sand
Sun, Part Shade
No Salt Tolerance

AKA: Swamp Cypress

This deciduous tree has an orange fall color. It is hurricane wind-resistant and is tolerant of root disturbance. Once a tree is mature, it can become resistant to rot. They can produce knees when conditions are wet enough; they are believed to bring oxygen to the tree during periods of inundation. Generally grows 1-2ft a year once established.

The tree is moderately resistant to deer browsing and damage. It produces small, inedible green to brown fruits that are eaten by birds including: wood ducks, wild turkey, evening grosbeak, squirrels, waterfowl, and wading birds. Wading birds and some raptors (like bald eagles) will also use the tree as a nesting area. Older trees form natural hollows that are used as cover by wildlife including but not limited to: frogs, toads, salamanders, and catfish. It is a larval host for baldcypress sphinx moth. 

The tree is famous for providing rot-resistant heartwood from mature trees (i.e. timber), resins, cordage, and medicine. The leaves can relieve itching, and the bark is a diuretic. (1) (2)

Additional sources: NC State Extension, The Gymnosperm Database, Atlas of Florida Plants