Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
 
The bald cypress is a distinctive, long-lived conifer native to the wetlands and river valleys of the southeastern United States. Known for its resilience in flooded or swampy environments, it can reach heights of 70–100 feet, with a strong, tapering trunk and a softly pyramidal crown. Its bark is reddish-brown and fibrous, peeling in thin strips as the tree matures. The feathery, needle-like leaves are arranged in flat sprays and shift from bright green in spring and summer to rich copper and russet tones in autumn before dropping—one of the few conifers to shed its foliage each year. In wet soils, the bald cypress develops unique “knees,” woody projections that rise from its roots and add to its iconic appearance. Small, round cones mature in a single season and provide food for wildlife. Highly valued for its decay-resistant wood, the bald cypress has long been used in construction, outdoor structures, and boat building. A symbol of endurance in harsh environments, the bald cypress stands as a timeless sentinel of America’s southern swamps and floodplains.