Growth form: The bald cypress is a deciduous conifer that ranges from 50-70 feet in height. Older trees develop spreading, irregular tops and often have buttressed trunk base. The branches of the tree are horizontal with a medium - fine texture
Leaves, twigs, and bark: The leaves of the Bald Cypress are green and soft turning a copper color in the fall. The needles are opposite, less than 1 inch in length and flat. The ridged bark of the tree ranges in color from dark brown-light brown/gray-red/burgundy. The twigs of the bald cypress, if deciduous, resemble pinnately compound leaves. If the twigs are not deciduous, are slender, alternate and rough. Non-deciduous twigs also have round buds near the end of the twig.
Bald Cypress Tree #881 in early fall. (Photo by A. Holmes 10/13/2019)
Bald cypress tree # 75 in late fall. (Photo taken by A. Holmes 11/24/2019)
Bald cypress tree bark #881. (Photo taken by A. Holmes 11/24/2019).
Flowers: The bald cypress flower is a long, drooping, brown panicle (Creative Commons, USDA).
Immature cones of Bald Cypress Tree #881. (Photo by A. Holmes 10/24/2019)
Mature cones of Bald Cypress Tree #881 (Photo taken by A. Holmes 11/24/2019)
Fruits: The fruits of the Bald Cypress are in the form of a cone that is 1-3 in. in length and width. The cones of the tree range in color from green (immature) to brown (mature). When the cone is mature the scales are thick and irregular.
Native range and habitat:
Distribution of Bald Cypress across Virginia counties (VA Botanical Associates, 2019)
Plant Family: Cupressaceae, more commonly referred to as the Cypress or Cedar family has a very distinct refreshing scent that brings forth thoughts of snow, hot chocolate and Christmas. This family contains evergreen tress and shrubs with small leaves and separate male and female cones. The wood of this tree family is naturally resistant to decay and often used for fence posts or flooring in houses.
Ecologic Importance and Uses:
Edible and Medicinal Uses: The resin from the cones is often used as an analgesic.
Wildlife: The seeds of the bald cypress are eaten by wood ducks, as well as wild turkey, evening grosbeak, squirrels, waterfowl, and wading birds. Older trees form natural hollows that are used as cover by wildlife. The dome of the cypress provides cover and breeding sites for frogs, toads, salamanders, and catfish. Spanish moss is often found hanging on the branches and provides food for Yellow-throated warblers.
Gardens and Landscaping: The bald cypress is good for landscaping around ponds, recreational play areas, and riparian cover spaces. This tree is often planted to provide shade in garden areas. Resistance to deer, erosion, fire, pollution, salt and wet soil. The bald cypress can grow in a vast array of environments including swampy areas, as well as more urban areas.
Campus Specimens - Bald Cypress
State and national champions: The state champion bald cypress is located in Southampton, VA. The tree received this title with a total of 557 points, however, in 2016 it was remeasured and the total points increased to 612. The national champion bald cypress in located at the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge in LA. The tree received this title in 2017 with a total of 739 points. The measurements are as follow: circumference- 626, height-91 and crown spread-87.
At Radford University, two bald cypress trees can be found on campus. The first tree is located next to the sidewalk beside Ingles Hall along Fairfax St. parking lot. The second bald cypress tree can be found and the corner of the Center for the Sciences and Lee Highway near the stoplight.
Tree #75
Trunk circumference: 60 inches
Tree height: 35 feet
Crown spread: 39.2 feet x 42.6 feet Average = 40.9 feet
Total points:112
Tree #881
Trunk circumference: 30 inches
Tree height: 27.5 feet
Crown spread: 21.7 feet x 23.2 feet Average crown spread = 22.5 feet
Total points: 63
References
Elpel, T. J. (2018). Botany in a day: the patterns method of plant identification: an herbal field guide to plant families of North America. Pony, MT: HOPS Press, LLC.