Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium

Becoming an exceptionally beautiful tree with a more columnar habit, 50-70' tall by 15-20' wide. This tree is native from Virginia down to Florida and over to Louisiana where it is found growing in ponds, lake edges and swamps. The characteristic 'cypress knees' are actually pneumatophores which likely enable this water lover to breathe. This is a trouble free tree with deeply furrowed bark and bright green needles in summer which turn copper in autumn. The Senator, a specimen growing in Florida's Big Tree Park is estimated to be an impressive 3,400 years old! S/M-W

Naturally found around lakes, ponds and small rivers, this tree prefers wet or at the very least, moist soil that also has sun. Taking the time to pick the right spot, however, is time well spent as you will be rewarded with a tree unique in every season. This tree, which can reach 75' in height, has a narrow crown of awl shaped green needles which in autumn turn an attractive red-brown. In winter, this deciduous tree drops its leaves exposing the irregular, outspread branching pattern along the light brown trunk which gradually thickens toward the base. It creates an impressive display.

We saw this cypress all over the lowland areas of South Carolina on our last visit. They looked like somber sentinels....Perhaps they are happier now that Strom Thurmond is dead. Decidious to 30 °F or so. Sun.