Bald cypress is a large conifer that drops its needles in fall, with a broad, fluted base and often distinctive "knees" (root projections) in wet sites. It is a dominant tree of southern swamps and floodplains.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, bald cypress grows in coastal plain swamps, along blackwater rivers, and in other permanently or seasonally wet sites. It tolerates standing water and is often associated with tupelo and red maple.
Uses and significance
The wood is highly decay-resistant and used for siding, shingles, and boat building. Bald cypress wetlands store carbon, reduce flooding, and provide habitat for many species. The tree is also planted as an ornamental.