Bald Cypress

contains two species, both native to North America: Baldcypress or Pondcypress (T. distichum) and Montezuma Baldcypress (T. mucronatum). Both species look alike microscopically.

Baldcypress are found in swampy areas along the Atlantic Coast from Delaware to southern Florida, west along the Gulf Coast to southeastern Texas, and along the Mississippi river valley to southeastern Illinois. While baldcypress grows most commonly to about 100 ft (30.48 m) and 5 ft (1.52 m) in diameter, trees can reach heights of 150 ft (45.72 m), with diameters of 12 ft (3.66 m). While a typical lifespan is about 500 years, baldcypress can live for up to 2,000 years. In wet conditions, baldcypress produces root extensions (“knees”) that grow above the ground and the surface of the water to allow oxygen to reach the roots.

Baldcypress sapwood is narrow and nearly white, while the heartwood varies widely in color from light yellowish brown to dark brownish red, brown, or chocolate. The wood is moderately heavy, moderately strong, and moderately hard. Shrinkage is moderately low, although somewhat greater than that of the cedars and less than that of southern pine. Frequently the wood of certain baldcypress trees contains pockets or localized areas that have been attacked by a fungus. Such wood is known as “pecky” cypress. Baldcypress has moderate strength, hardness, and pliability. The heartwood of old-growth trees is one of the most decay-resistant woods; second-growth trees produce only moderately decay-resistant wood. Baldcypress has been used principally for building construction, especially where resistance to decay is required. It is suited for beams, posts, and other members in structures that require substantial construction, such as docks, factories, and bridges. It is well suited for siding and porch construction. It is also used for caskets, sashes and doors, general millwork, ship and boat building and railroad cross ties. Click here to view a chart of Key:Softwoods.