BALD CYPRESS TREE: FLORIDA’S LARGEST NATIVE TREE
The Senator Tree
Bald cypress, a deciduous conifer (like the Larches), is native to wet areas of the lower and middle Mississippi Valley drainage basin, the South Atlantic, and the Gulf Costal states (especially Florida). The first scientific reference to the species was made in 1640. The name, “bald cypress” comes from their historical tendency to be among the first trees in the South to lose their leaves in the fall, and the last to bud in the spring, hence being “bald” longer than many other trees! This is particularly unusual considering that most conifers are evergreen, while bald cypresses are deciduous. Our knowledgably ISA Certified Arborists in Clearwater, FL and Pinellas County can help with removals and care of the Cypress trees on your property.
Their other nicknames come from the other characteristics of the tree. The term “Taxodium” is Greek for “yew-like” a group of trees prized for their hardwood. Other nicknames include “Gulf Cypress,” because of its location along the Gulf Coast, “Red Cypress,” “Yellow Cypress,” “White Cypress,” “Swamp Cypress” because of its preferred location in swampy floodplains regions and the “Southern Cypress” because of its distribution across the American southeast. Its northern most native range is the extreme southern tips of Indiana and Illinois, but this tree is extensively planted in dry areas throughout the Eastern United States, including Ohio, as an ornamental tree. Its pyramidal to spire-like growth is formal in youth, becoming more columnar and open with great age. This is the tree from which cypress mulch is made and the source trees (especially in Florida” are being rapidly depleted.
The wood of the bald cypress is valued for its water-resistance and is known as “pecky” or “Peggy” cypress in the lumber industry when it contains small, attractive holes caused by a fungus. The tree is grown as an ornamental for its colorful fall foliage, and can be cultivated far north of its native range. As a deciduous conifer, the leaves of bald cypress drop off in autumn, and its cones are round balls that release their seeds in autumn and winter. As a member of the bald cypress family it is also related to Dawn Redwood and Giant Redwood.
Bald cypresses are long-lived and slow-growing trees that regularly reach up to 600 years in age. Old trees are usually hollow. A young bald cypress is a symmetrical and pyramidal. As it matures, it develops a coarse, wide-spreading head. Its tapering trunk is usually 100 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. The reddish-brown bark weathers to an ashy gray. A tree growing in wet soil is strongly buttresses about the base and its horizontal roots often send conical woody projections called “knees” above the waterline.
Among tree service companies in Pinellas County and throughout Florida, the presumed function of the knees is still poorly understood: they may help oxygenate the roots, or provide support in the soft muddy soil. The flat, needle like leaves are arranged alternately in two ranks along small twigs. The trees are deciduous, though the leaves can persist year round in warm climates. The seed cones are green and globular and are typically no larger than 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) in diameter.
This stately conifer, native to the Midwest, often is found in groupings in parks and larger spaces, along street and around lakes. Unlike most cone-bearing trees, bald cypress loses its needles each winter and grows a new set in the spring. The russet-red fall color of its lacy needles is one of its outstanding characteristics. Hardy and tough, this tree will adapt to a wide range of soil types, whether wet, dry, or even swampy. It’s called the “wood eternal” because its heartwood is resistant to decay and used for construction, including docks, warehouses, boats, bridges, general millwork and interior trim.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TREE SERVICE IN PINELLAS COUNTY-Bald cypress actually prefers moist, acidic, sandy loam soils with moderately good drainage, but is often found in flooded situations or at the edge of bodies of water, with some of all if its roots submerged in water. It adapts readily to moist and well-drained soils, or even dry soils of rich, poor, or average composition, and can be completely “landlocked” with no ill effects. It thrives in full sun to partial sun and is found din zones 4 to 11.
BALD CYPRESS POTENTIAL PROBLEMS-Bal cypress has several diseases and pest that can cause problems, but these do not usually occur. Chlorosis can be a problem in high pH soils, but otherwise this is a trouble-free species.
The Bald Cypress is a very interesting and unique tree. Of all trees, it is perhaps the greatest known tolerance for flooding. No matter what stage of life it’s in, it is an impressive tree that will add curb appeal and bring value and beauty to any environment, whether planted as specimen or in the masses , Bald Cypress has a long been appreciated for it beauty, size and longevity. To learn more about tree services we offer, contact us by calling (727) 289-1633.