Bald Cypress Tree Leaf Structure
Few plants add a sense of permanency to a landscape like large trees. The large size of bald cypress trees make them suitable for a number of uses, such as windbreaks, shade trees, noise control and background plantings. Bald cypress trees have an interesting and unique leaf structure, making it easy to identify them among other varieties of large trees. Does this Spark an idea?
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Size
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Bald cypress trees can grow to a massive size in their natural environment near swamps and bogs. The pyramid-shaped trees can reach mature heights between 100 and 150 feet tall. The leaves are very small in comparison and generally reach between 1/2 to 3/4 inches long.
Characteristics
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Bald cypress leaves bear a resemblance to the appearance of pine needles; however, these trees are deciduous conifers, rather than evergreens. The small leaves are flat and linear, resembling small blades. The small leaves along the sides of small twigs form an exterior similar to the structure of a feather. Healthy leaves appear slightly yellow-green in color, gradually turning a rich, dark green as they age. The twigs of bald cypress trees hang downward, giving them a pendulous appearance. Other varieties of cypress, such as pond cypress, often resemble bald cypress. However, where a bald cypress's leaves point down, the pond cypress leaves point in an upward direction.
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Growth
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Cypress trees grow slowly. These trees reproduce by forming small tassel-like flowers near the outer edges of the small branchlets that hold the leaves. After pollination, the minuscule flowers begin to form cone fruit. The cones provide about 5,200 seeds per pound. Many of these drop to the ground and form new trees beneath the parent specimens. The fallen leaves under the trees offer protection and help provide adequate nutrients for new seedling growth.
Features
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The leaves of the bald cypress help the tree retain moisture and store nutrients. The leaves and the canopy of a bald cypress tree provide a welcome refuge for birds and small animals. Like other types of deciduous trees, the bald cypress sheds its leaves in the fall, leaving the branches bare and exposed. The small leaves tend to turn slightly brown and dry before they fall to the ground. New leaf buds begin forming in the spring and cover the tree with bright shades of yellow-green as the summer approaches.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bald cypress image by FFprod66 from Fotolia.com
