Taxodium distichum (baldcypress,[3][4][5]bald-cypress,[6]bald cypress, swamp cypress; French: cyprès chauve;
cipre in Louisiana) is a deciduousconifer in the family Cupressaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States. Hardy and tough, this tree adapts to a wide range of soil types, whether wet, salty, dry, or swampy. It is noted for the russet-red fall color of its lacy needles.
This plant has some cultivated varieties[7][8][9][10][11] and is often used in groupings in public spaces. Common names include bald cypress, swamp cypress, white cypress, tidewater red cypress, gulf cypress and red cypress.[12][13]
In some cultures, the bald cypress symbolizes longevity, endurance, and mourning.[citation needed]
Bald cypress trees are valued because of their rot-resistant heartwood when the trees are mature. Because of this, the trees are often used for making fence posts, doors, flooring, caskets, and a number of other items.
^Wilhite, L.P.; Toliver, J.R. (1990). "Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. Baldcypress". In Burns, Russell M.; Honkala, Barbara H. (eds.). Silvics of North America. Vol. 1: Conifers. Washington, D.C.: Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. pp. 563–572. Agriculture Handbook 654. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
^Gilbert, Edward F.; Watson, Dennis G.; Klein, Ryan W.; Koeser, Andrew K.; Hilbert, Deborah R.; McLean, Drew C. (29 March 2019). Andreu, Michael; Klein, Ryan; Hilbert, Deborah R. (eds.). "Taxodium distichum: Baldcypress". Southern Trees Fact Sheets. IFAS Extension, University of Florida. Publication No. ENH-778. Retrieved 28 September 2024.