Bald CypressTaxodium distichum
Characteristics
Leaves: single needles, pointy tip, lose leaves in autumn, up to 3/4" long, greenish yellow in color
Flower: purple in color, staminate clusters as large as 5 inches, pistillate flowers located near the tip of twig, round in shape
Fruit: rounded wrinkly cones, 1 inch length, greenish to brownish
Twigs: thin, brownish-red, no leaf scars
Buds: rounded, light brown in color, up to 1/8 inch wide
Bark: faint brownish-red, with plated thin scales becoming shredded
Form: outsized tree nearly over 100 feet tall, trunk width around 8 feet, triangular in shape, trunk base may be enlarged, "knees" (large roots sticking up from the ground) are often present when in swampy areas
Habitat: swampy areas, low areas
Wood description and uses: brown, soft, lightweight; railroad ties, fences, barrels, bridges, and ornamental
Range: New Jersey to southern Illinois and Missouri to Texas, east to Florida
Distinguishing features: leaves are feathery in appearance, spherical, wrinkled cones
Location: Charleston, Illinois
Sources Cited: Mohlenbrock, Robert. (N.D.). Forest Trees of Illinois. Springfield, IL: Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
(c) 2003 Cumberland High School. Jennifer M and Jeffrey F. All rights reserved.
Photos courtesy: (c) 2003 Jeffrey F.
Contact Information- lstarwalt@cumberland.k12.il.us
Link to Native Trees of Illinois index page