Bald Cypress

trees · southeastern-usa · deciduous-conifer · wetlands

Deciduous conifer. The bald cypress is one of the few conifers that loses its needles in winter, even though most conifers stay green year-round. This makes it special because it gets to show off its brilliant russet-red color before dropping its leaves.

Flood superstar. Bald cypress trees are so good at handling flooding that they naturally grow in swamps and wetlands across the southeastern United States. Their roots can survive sitting in water for months without getting damaged, which is why they thrive where other trees would drown.

Tough survivor. This tree can handle wet swamps, salty soils, dry sandy spots, and almost anything in between. Whether it is drowning or dusty, the bald cypress keeps growing strong, making it one of nature's most adaptable trees.

Lacy feathery needles. The bald cypress has soft, feathery needles arranged in flat sprays that look almost like fern fronds. In fall, these delicate-looking needles turn a gorgeous russet-red color before the tree drops them all for winter.