Swamp Cypress

Audio Narration

Transcript

The swamp cypress is native to the southeastern United States and is often found in moist soils near river, lakes and streams. The heartwood of the swamp cypress is very strong and resistant to rot, so it is used for construction purposes in its native region. In northern climates like Vancouver Island, the swamp cypress is more commonly planted for ornamental purposes for its slender conical crown that flattens out as it ages. Did you know, unlike other coniferous species, the swamp cypress loses its needle-like leaves in the fall after a stunning display of golden colour? Because of this, many people call this species the bald cypress.

Seed-bearing cone shapes of coniferous trees are incredibly diverse. Evolution has optimized each shape for specific distribution and timed release of seeds.