Biology of a Cypress Tree
The bald cypress tree gets its name from the fact that, although it has needles like an evergreen tree, it is a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves in the winter--it goes bald. Cypress trees thrive in slightly acidic, moist soil and full sun, and are found throughout the southeastern United States. This tree is a good choice for planting along the edges of lakes--not only will it grow well, but its root structure will help to prevent erosion of the shore. The bald cypress grows very tall (except in extreme southern Florida) and provides lots of shade in summer.
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Habitats
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Bald cypress trees thrive in swamps. Bald cypress trees usually grow in wet habitats such as swamps and low-lying forests near rivers that flood when the river overflows its banks. They also thrive in circular or linear depression swamps (called cypress domes or cypress strands) with mucky soils, and along the edges of lakes and rivers. However, this species can survive dry periods and may occasionally be found growing in dry habitats.
Distinctive Trunk and Bark
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Bald cypress trunks have a distinctive flared shape. Bald cypress trunks are "buttressed" or reinforced at the base with flared edges that are much wider than the upper trunk. During the dry season, you can see a dark line around the wide base of a bald cypress tree, marking the high water level. Bald cypress trees also have distinctive bark on their trunks--reddish, fibrous bark that is often peeling with strips hanging from the trunk. The sturdy trunks of bald cypress trees are specially adapted to survive lightning strikes.
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Cypress Knees
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Cypress knees rise from the roots of the tree and project above the water's surface. Bald cypress trees grow unique structures from their roots that emerge out of the water around the tree, like the upright knees of a person seated on the ground--hence, the name "knees." Scientists believe that cypress knees may help these trees to get oxygen to their roots when they are covered with water, or may function to hold the soil in place and prevent erosion that might make the tree unstable.
Reproduction
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Cypress trees produce seeds in small cones. Bald cypress trees reproduce by seeds that they produce in small, round cones. In the spring, they produce male cones that release pollen to fertilize the female cones. Although the seeds can grow in very moist soil, they will not germinate if they are covered with water.
Conservation
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Many cypress swamps throughout the southeast have been drained and filled to make way for construction and reduce mosquito populations, and many of these majestic trees have been destroyed. Cypress trees have also been harvested for cypress mulch, and their numbers are dwindling in the southeastern United States. These trees are an important part of our natural ecosystems and must be conserved.
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References
- Photo Credit cypress-pine image by Stacey Lynn Payne from Fotolia.com cypress trees in foggy, swamp image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com cypress swamp image by William Knapp from Fotolia.com cypress knees image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com cypress image by Przemyslaw Malkowski from Fotolia.com
