Species PlantsBald Cypress

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Bald Cypress is an iconic tree of southeastern swamps and river bottoms, one of the few deciduous conifers, and can live over 2,000 years. It produces distinctive woody 'knees' rising from submerged roots, thought to aid in oxygen exchange. Its deeply fluted trunk bases, draped in Spanish moss, are among the most evocative sights in southern wetlands.

Habitat
Swamps, floodplains, and river bottoms of the southeastern United States
Diet
Seeds eaten by wood ducks; large cavities used by wood ducks and owls
How common
Common

Recent Bald Cypress sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Bald Cypress? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More plants

Adam's Needle
Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
Adonis Blazingstar
Adonis Blazingstar
Mentzelia multiflora
Allegheny Blackberry
Allegheny Blackberry
Rubus allegheniensis
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Mimulus ringens
Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
American Alumroot
American Alumroot
Heuchera americana
American Basswood
American Basswood
Tilia americana
American Beautyberry
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana