Cypress Trees

Naturally, cypress trees are one of nature’s most valuable trees. Furthermore – they have a plethora of uses and grow all across the United States!

Cypress trees grow throughout the wetland ecosystems of the United States, most commonly along the Southern Coastlines. They can be found along the Atlantic Coast from Delaware to Florida, along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Alabama, and even along the West Coast of California.

Cypress trees can also be found inland, normally along the Mississippi River Valley extending from Southeastern Oklahoma to Southern Illinois. Outside of the United States, cypress trees commonly grow in Asia, Chile, and Mediterranean Regions.

What Climates Do Cypress Trees Grow In?

Cypress trees naturally occur in the depths of the deep, dark swamp lands. 

When planted, Cypress trees can adapt to a variety of soil and climate conditions, and since cypress trees can be planted in almost any soil condition, they would make the perfect addition to your yard. You don’t have to stare at them just from the swamps!

Because of their adaptability, Cypress trees have become part of nursery practices, allowing homeowners and businesses to use these beautiful, broad trees as ornamental plants.

Cypress Trees Are Common Along The Atlantic Coastal Plain

The most common place where cypress trees grow is in swamps along the Atlantic Coast anywhere from Delaware to Florida.

Along the Atlantic Coast, the most common cypress trees to grow are the pond cypress and the bald cypress. The main difference between the two is their leaves, but take a look at our article about the differences between bald and pond cypress to find out more!

Since many of the cypress trees that grow along the coast are hidden in rich, deep swamps, the trees are usually unable to be used for commercial use in today’s woodworking world.

They are more or less used for tourist attractions and are known as beautiful gems of history and nature.

Cypress Trees Require Warm Climates

However, to ensure proper growth, cypress trees require a warm, temperate climate. 

Further, this is why forests of cypress trees are commonly found in the southeastern corner of the United States.

Cypress Trees Require Wet AND Dry Climates

The reason cypress trees are found throughout wetland ecosystems around the world is because of the fluctuating water levels in these areas.

Cypress trees require standing water for at least half of the year to create those crazy, beautiful roots! (Which makes sense why they grow in swamps).

However, in order to germinate, cypress seedlings must start on dry land. As the trees mature, they adapt to continual flooding.

As a result of their ability to adapt to a variety of soil conditions, cypress trees occur in many different forms resulting in different shapes, sizes, leaves, barks, and wood characteristics.

Characteristics Of The “Tree With Knees”

Although cypress trees have needle-like leaves, which tend to be a common characteristic of coniferous trees, they are deciduous… and also coniferous.

Cypress trees lose their leaves in the fall, as any deciduous tree would, but they are also considered a conifer because of their ability to produce cones, and their needle-like leaves.

Cypress trees are evergreen that does not stay evergreen.

Cypress Trees Can Live For Thousands Of Years

As if that wasn’t interesting enough about the cypress tree, cypress trees have been known to live for thousands of years.

Scientifically, cypress trees are said to live for over 600 years, but some have lived for thousands, continuing to grow. Research published in Environmental Research Communications found a bald cypress tree that’s at least 2,624 years old along North Carolina’s black river.

Furthermore, cypress trees, among the redwoods, are one of the largest trees to survive and stand over geological time.

Cypress Trees Grow Really Tall And Have Knees

Cypress trees can grow upwards of 120 feet. And – of course, to stand that tall, you have to have knees!

Over the years, cypress trees have become known as the Trees With Knees. Scientists have studied the trees extensively to determine the purpose of their knee formations in wet, unstable soils.

So, Why Do Cypress Trees Need Knees?

Scientists have found that in swamps, the base and root systems of cypress trees remain submerged in water, allowing the roots to grow in an unusual upside-down u-shape. As the roots take shape, the part that is above water begins to form those peculiar knees.

According to Harvard University, it’s been determined that out of the several hypotheses, the most widely accepted purpose for the cypress tree knees is for aeration.

The knees function as an organ for the trees, allowing them a place to breathe above the water. They have also been considered to be a point of anchorage for the trees, and could even be used to collect and carry nutrients from the swampy waters.

Cypress Trees Are Extremely Common On The East Coast

Cypress trees naturally grow among water sources, such as ponds, swamps, lakes, and other wetland ecosystems across the coastlines of the United States.

However, they are not limited to the coasts. Cypress trees also grow inland because of their adaptable nature, but most commonly reside in warm, wet states along the Mississippi River Valley.

Cypress trees can still be grown in your backyard and will do best in states with warm, humid climates.

Delaware

Cypress trees can grow as far North as Delaware. 

Since Delaware borders, the Coast, the wetlands of this state allow for adequate growth of cypress trees. Delaware is home to the Great Cypress Swamp, which is a forested freshwater swamp home to towering cypress trees.

The Great Cypress Swamp also extends into parts of Maryland, which is another state along the Atlantic Coast that hosts cypress swamps.

Virginia

Cypress trees commonly grow in swamp lands in Virginia.

Interestingly, Virginia is now home to the largest cypress tree, standing at 145 feet tall. They still don’t quite match the giant nature of the redwoods, but they’re a close second.

In Virginia, or anywhere along the Atlantic Coast for that matter, cypress trees produce striking colors in the autumn months just before their leaves begin to fall.

North & South Carolina

Cypress trees are common in the Carolinas. Cypress trees grow in both North and South Carolina.

Like we discussed earlier, one of the oldest known living cypress trees in the United States is a Bald Cypress in North Carolina. The Bald Cypress in North Carolina is at least 2,624 years old (dated in 2019.) Talk about experience!

The old cypress can be found in The Three Sisters Swamp of North Carolina.

Florida

Cypress trees commonly grow in the Florida Everglades. Towering cypress trees covered in Spanish moss are an incredible sight in the swamps of Georgia and Florida.

Big Tree Park in Florida was once home to the oldest and largest cypress tree before it was lost in a fire in 2012.

The Senator, as it was named by locals, stood at 126 feet tall and was over 3,500 years old.

You Can Find Cypress Trees Anywhere Along The Gulf Coast

Outside of the Atlantic Coast, states along the Gulf Coast are home to many cypress trees and forests.

The warm, humid climate of the Gulf Coast allows cypress trees to thrive in surrounding states.

The Bayous of the South contains soft, moist soil that all the cypress trees love. In this climate, cypress trees around your home are more common!

Cypress Trees Are Common In The South

In Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama, several varieties of cypress trees are common. Cypress trees are one of the most anchored trees in these state’s native woodlands, and perhaps that’s because of those peculiar knees.

Because of their anchored roots and base, the hurricanes of the Gulf are no match. The most damage a hurricane has done to the cypress is sending those pine needles flying. And that’s probably why they’re one of the longest surviving trees of geological time.

In Alabama, an underwater bald cypress forest was discovered in 2012 just off the coast 60 feet below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico. The well-preserved underwater forest is home to cypress trees that are well over 52,000 years old.

Now that’s insane.

Louisiana Has Cypress Trees Too!

Also, along the Gulf Coast is the state of Louisiana. Cypress trees are common in Louisiana. In fact, the state tree of Louisiana is the Bald Cypress. 

The Bald Cypress serves as a symbol of the southern swamps. Its abundance, beauty, and economic importance makes it the perfect state tree for Louisiana.

You can easily grow a cypress tree in your yard in Louisiana while still representing the state!

Cypress Trees Grow Inland In Southeastern State Swamps and Wetlands

While cypress trees are most common in the swamps along the coast, they still commonly grow inland in the plains of southern states.

Cypress trees grow along both the East and West sides of the Mississippi River.

West Side Of The Mississippi River

On the West side, cypress trees are common in Missouri, Arkansas, and even southeastern portions of Oklahoma. Although it may be less common to see a cypress naturally sprout up in these inland states, the ornamental use of cypress trees is more common.

The warm, humid weather of these southern states allows the cypress tree to be the perfect shade tree addition to your property. In southwestern portions of Arkansas, a Cypress Swamp can be found housing several cypress trees.

Cypress Trees Commonly Grow Along The East Side Of The Mississippi River Valley

Cypress trees are also known to commonly grow along the east side of the Mississippi River Valley.

On the East side, cypress trees can be found in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee.

In Tennessee, there are many groves of cypress trees that can be seen standing tall. In these areas, cypress trees are known as living fossils. In fact, some discoveries of cypress tree imprints have made their debut as fossils from way back then in Tennessee.

You can grow cypress trees around your home in any of these states easily!

Some Cypress Trees Grow Along The West Coast

Millions of years ago, scientists have said that cypress woodlands once dominated areas of California.

Since the formation of mountains and changes in the landscape of California, the climate has grown increasingly dry and arid. Because of this, some cypress trees have grown drought resistant, but because of their nature and need for wetlands, the areas of California are no longer dominated by cypress trees. 

On the West Coast, cypress trees often grow on rocky ranges, and the Italian Cypress is the most common cypress in California growing in the Mediterranean regions of the area.

If you’re looking to plant a cypress tree around your home in these areas, try planting the Italian cypress and watch it thrive in the dry climate!

Cypress Trees Are Also Commonly Grow Outside Of The US

The common cypress tree is said to have originated in Persia. 

The originated botanical name of the cypress tree is Cupressus Sempervirens, meaning “cypresses” and “evergreen” in Latin. It’s silly since cypress trees don’t stay green all year round, but are still considered evergreen trees.

Outside of Persia, cypress trees naturally occur in Mediterranean Regions, Chile, and Asia.

Cypress Trees Grow In Mediterranean Regions

Countries such as Greece, Israel, and Turkey are common homes to cypress trees.

Like California, the most common cypress tree in these Mediterranean regions is the Italian cypress tree.

They can be grown for ornamental use in any of these countries!

The Oldest Living Cypress Tree Lives In Chile

According to a study done by Yale, the oldest living tree in the world is a cypress in Chile, and is said to be over 5000 years old!

The reason the research is so new is that scientists have discovered a way to determine the age of a tree by using a computer model rather than the old-fashioned tree ring method.

However, the scientist that discovered the potential age of this ancient tree suggests that his model is 80% accurate leaving only a 20% chance that the tree is younger than they estimate.

The Many Uses Of Cypress Trees

Cypress trees are high in intrinsic value. Outside of nature’s use of cypress trees for wildlife, repelling insects, soil conservation, and aesthetic beauty, man has used cypress wood for its ability to craft easily.

For a full list, you can head over to our article to learn about the uses of cypress trees!

Cypress Wood Is Used For Crafting

Cypress is a softwood, so it is easily maneuverable, but it is also rot-resistant. Because of this, cypress wood is perfect for crafting any outdoor furniture, fencing, and other woodworking, and was commonly used for commercial logging.

Today, cypress trees are getting harder to reach as they tend to grow in less desirable areas as compared to other trees. Treading through the swamps to reach the lumber isn’t ideal.

Even the cypress cones and balls have uses!

Cypress Trees Are Home To Wildlife

In the wild, cypress trees are home to many critters.

The hollowed-out areas of their roots allow animals to shelter. Ducks, turkeys, and squirrels often snack on the fallen seeds of cypress trees.

Cypress Trees Are Used As Essential Oil

And perhaps the most beneficial use for cypress trees is medicinal. The essential oil of the cypress tree is pure and organic in nature.

When used properly, cypress essential oil may stimulate the circulatory system, contains sedative properties, and is commonly used for respiratory illness symptoms. However, please check in with a professional or healthcare provider before using any essential oils.

Some Ways To Purchase The Essential Oil

If you want to purchase cypress essential oil, check out the Young Living Cypress Essential Oil!

It’s one of the best option if you’re looking to harness some benefits of cypress oil, and you can even diffuse it around your home for the smell if you’re looking to whiff scents of the woodlands from your own home.

Logging Off!

Cypress trees are beautiful in nature and compounds most commonly grown along coastlines.

In the United States, it is hard to narrow down the number of states that cypress trees commonly grow in because of their common ornamental use and ability to adapt to different soil conditions.

Here are some quick things that we went over about cypress trees!

• Some cypress trees are drought resistant while others prefer a constant water flow!
• A cypress tree can grow in just about any environment if you’re planning on planting one around your home.
• In order for cypress trees to reproduce and thrive on their own, they require warm, temperate and swampy environments. 
• Cypress trees most commonly grow in states along the Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast, West Coast, and southern states along the Mississippi River Valley. 
• Cypress trees also grow in other countries, such as Asia, Chile, and Mediterranean Regions and are used for their many life-changing properties.
• Cypress trees were most commonly used for commercial logging because of their heartwood nature. 
• Today, properties from the cypress tree, such as harnessing its essential oil, can be used for many medicinal reasons.

References:

Stahle, D. W., Edmondson, J. R., Howard, I. M., Robbins, C. R., Griffin, R. D., Carl, A., … & Torbenson, M. C. A. (2019). Longevity, climate sensitivity, and conservation status of wetland trees at Black River, North Carolina. Environmental Research Communications, 1(4), 041002.

Koehler, A. (1924). The properties and uses of wood. McGraw-Hill Book Company.

Lumsden, A. S. (1999). The Cypress Swamp.

Mattoon, W. R. (1915). The southern cypress (No. 272). US Department of Agriculture.

Mitsch, W. J., & Ewel, K. C. (1979). Comparative biomass and growth of cypress in Florida wetlands. American Midland Naturalist, 417-426.

Neubrech, W. L. (1939). American southern cypress (No. 194). US Government Printing Office.

Shaheen, A., Hanif, M. A., Rehman, R., & Hanif, A. (2020). Cypress. In Medicinal Plants of South Asia (pp. 191-205). Elsevier.

Stahle, D. W., Edmondson, J. R., Howard, I. M., Robbins, C. R., Griffin, R. D., Carl, A., … & Torbenson, M. C. A. (2019). Longevity, climate sensitivity, and conservation status of wetland trees at Black River, North Carolina. Environmental Research Communications, 1(4), 041002.

Williston, H. L. (1980). Cypress management: a forgotten opportunity (Vol. 8). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Area, State and Private Forestry.

As you are probably quite aware, there are many varieties of trees- even within species themselves. If you are looking to get an overview of some species of trees with blue needles, and what genera of tree they fall under, this is the place for you!

Coniferous evergreen trees are the most common trees to sport blue-colored leaves and needles. The most common trees that have blue leaves and needles are specific variants of:

• Cedar trees
• Cypress trees
• Fir Trees
• Juniper Trees
• Sprue Trees

Before we continue our discussion about these different species, we should start on a broader note. What kinds of trees even have needles in the first place, and what are some trees in this category?

Okay, let’s dive in!

What Are Some Types of Coniferous Evergreens That May Have Blue Needles And Leaves?

Now, since you know what a coniferous evergreen is, you probably wonder which trees fall into this category. 

Evergreen trees are something to behold because they stay beautifully green year-round. You can find out more about how evergreens grow year round in our article here if you’d like to go down that rabbit hole!

If not, let’s talk about it!

Here are some of the common coniferous evergreens you might see year round:

Cedar Trees

There are many types of cedar trees, but when it comes down to its cedars are all enormous trees you might come across in large, open spaces. These coniferous evergreen trees grow tall and take up space.

Their size makes cedars less likely to be seen in more residential areas. Though, if you have a lot of land on your property, you may still sport some cedars on your property.

Since cedars grow fast and are such large trees, they are well suited to a range of climate zones. Additionally, they act as a great wind barrier in areas where they are necessary.

Cypress Trees

Cypress trees are an exception to the general rule of conifers being evergreens. This deciduous conifer still holds its own among its relatives, growing fast and proving to be extremely adaptable. 

For example, cypress trees do the best in wetter soil, but once they are established and growing self-sufficiently, they can thrive in dry soil. These species can even keep growing in short droughts, speaking of their adaptability. 

Fir Trees

Fir trees have needle-like leaves, which grow directly from the branches of the tree, and leave very specific circular markings when they eventually fall from those branches. 

The needles of a coniferous evergreen tree do not fall annually, but fall as needed to give way for newer, healthier ones.

These trees often make cedars look short, which is saying something! This is another tree you are not likely to see in someone’s neighborhood backyard. Think forests and vast properties, instead.

Juniper Trees

Juniper trees sport needle-like leaves when they are young, though the leaves become more complex as the tree matures. They are most often described as awl-shaped. 

While juniper trees are among these other big names, they do not grow nearly as tall. As a mid-size tree, junipers are more decorative and suitable for residential areas where space is tighter. 

This makes the juniper more versatile, thanks to its ability to fit in smaller spaces. 

Unlike our other trees, where blue leaves or needles are not necessarily the standard, juniper trees are typically blue. Other colors are less common, and blue needles are just the default here. Pretty cool, huh?

The cones themselves of a juniper tree might even be blue. Talk about a visually appealing plant!

Spruce Trees

Our final conifer on this list is another whose size rivals the cedar, cypress, and fir. The spruce has about 35 species under its umbrella, with most of them having multiple names. For this reason, you might hear certain spruces called by many names.

With four-sided needles and cones hanging directly downward, you can easily distinguish this type of tree from its relatives. 

There is a wide range of spruces, and you will soon learn many of them do have blue needles.

Pine, Spruce, or Fir?

Okay, it’s great to know there are so many different types of coniferous evergreens (and remember, what’s listed above isn’t even the full list!), but how can you distinguish between them?

Pines, spruces, and firs are the most commonly mixed-up coniferous evergreens and we want to help you feel equipped to differentiate between them. 

Needles

Conifers are most commonly identified by their leaves, which appear as needles. 

Pine trees sport needles clustered in groups. While they are attached directly to the branch, these groupings are relatively easy to distinguish. 

Spruce and fir trees, on the other hand, have their needles individually attached to the branches. 

How would one go about telling the difference between a spruce and a fir, in that case?

Well, fir needles are rather soft. As a flat needle, you would not be able to roll the needles of a fir tree between your fingers. Spruce, alternately, has sharply pointed needles you could roll between your fingers thanks to their square-shaped design.

The color and length of the needles differ among individuals, so these are not the best factors to consider in your differentiating process.

When looking at needles, one would need to be pretty close to a tree to determine what type of tree it is. If the needles are blue (which we’ll go over in a second) then you’ll quickly be able to identify what species you’re working with.

So, there are other ways to determine which kind of conifer you might be seeing. 

Cones and bark also offer some important clues.

Cones

While these appendages are most commonly called pinecones, this is an incorrect assumption. Many of the conifers that have these cones are not pine trees, hence why pinecone is a very specific distinguishment. 

That tangent aside, true pinecones have a scaly, rigid feel while spruce cones have thinner, smoother feeling scales. 

Bark

Cones and needles are not the only ways to identify a tree. Using bark alone may not do much for your understanding of this task, but combining bark with cones and needles is a fantastic, comprehensive way to identify a conifer. 

Spruce bark is typically rough and ridged, especially as the tree matures. Pine bark is often smooth when a tree is juvenile and becomes flaky with age. Fir bark falls somewhere in between, with smooth gray bark when the tree is young that turns into a more hardened, weathered texture with maturity.

We have covered some of the basics, from what conifers are to some examples, and how to tell between them. Now it’s time to give you the specifics! 

You made it this far- so keep on reading to find out more about the 16 trees with blue needles. 

16 Trees That Have Blue Leaves and Needles

Alright, your patience was all worth it!

The moment you’ve been waiting for: the 16 trees that have blue leaves, or needles!

Here are some of the trees with needles that appear to be blue. After reading this piece, maybe you will even be able to recognize some of them specifically!

Cedar Trees

We know cedar trees can have blue leaves, but which kind is the most common species we can expect to see sporting this color?

1. Blue Atlas Cedar

The blue atlas cedar, true to its name, has needles that give off a very blue tone. 

Hardy to a USDA zone as low as 6, this tree is pretty resilient when it comes to temperature, to a certain point. 

If you are looking to learn more about hardiness zones and what they are, you can check out this USDA Hardiness Zone map. 

Cypress Trees

2. Arizona Cypress 

This cypress grows in hardiness zones 7-9 and is both heat and drought tolerant. 

The Arizona cypress helps evade erosion, breaks harsh winds, and thanks to its pyramid shape, it even acts as a splendid Christmas tree.

At maturity, this tree gets up to around 50 feet tall at a maximum. So, while this is a great indoor Christmas tree in its middle years, or at maturity if you have super high ceilings, the Arizona cypress is also a great variety to just plant in your yard. 

What’s better than enjoying a beautiful tree during a holiday season? Enjoying it for years on end!

The bark of this tree may end up being a rough brown tone, or a grey-brown color. Likely, the bark will begin shedding at a certain stage.

If you are interested in growing one of these beautiful trees, you can start looking here: Brighter Blooms – Arizona Blue Cypress Evergreen. These trees, while not at maturity on arrival, come with detailed growing instructions. The company warns they may show up drier than expected, so be sure to water them right away!

3. Boulevard Cypress 

This dense, semi-dwarf evergreen is more shrub-like than treelike, which makes it well adapted to fit in most spaces!

Whether you want a pop of blue needles outside of your home in a city or on your land in a wide-open space, the boulevard cypress is always an option. If you are in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, that is!

This tree may mature to about 12 feet tall, but it will take 10 years to even reach 5-6 feet tall. 

Another selling factor is this cypress can be pruned to whatever shape and/or size your heart desires, so the blue tone of this tree isn’t even the only visual factor. 

4. Curly Tops Cypress 

The densely packed, steel-blue leaves of this cypress give it quite a unique appearance. Some of its shoots are curled, hence the name ‘curly tops.’

It is a very slow-growing tree, so maintenance is pretty easy, thankfully. 

Similar to its predecessor in this list, the curly tops cypress does best in hardiness zones 4-8, as well. 

You can plant this tree in a chalky or sandy type of soil, as long as it drains well. 

5. Golden Mop Cypress

No surprise here, but this cypress also thrives in hardiness zones 4-8. It’s like these trees are all related or something!

This one gets its name from its mop-like appearance, as a short shrub-like organism with branches that often hang down and look like… well, a mop. 

This evergreen does very well as a decorative piece, seen commonly in Japanese gardens or near homes.

Fir Trees

6. Balsam Fir 

Native to much of Canada and the Northeastern United States, the balsam fir is a small to mid-size evergreen, which thrives in individual residential areas and public settings. 

With very straight and spread apart branches, the blue of these needles is quite the sight. This tree is also used as a Christmas tree, unsurprisingly. 

This is also one of the most cold-hardy trees there is, doing well in hardiness zone 2. The balsam fir can thrive in temperatures as low as -49 degrees Fahrenheit. 

7. Candicans White Fir 

The candicans white fir’s silvery-blue needles are soft and, as a white fir, this tree is incredibly adaptable. 

Not only is this plant suitable for a city environment, but candicans white firs are resilient in other ways. Resistant to heat and drought, this fir can withstand harsh conditions so long as the soil it is planted is can be well-drained. 

Hard clay is one type of soil that should be strictly avoided when working with the candicans white fir. 

Often used as a replacement for the Colorado Spruce, this species has needles ranging from the common blue-green color to the silvery blue it is most well known for.

With a pyramid shape, the smell of citrus, and its soft needles, this tree is a great option for when you want a pop of color you can also plant in a residential environment. Thanks to the mature height of 30 feet tall, the size fits well in this environment, too. 

You will find this tree in the Midwest, as disease seems to be less of a threat in this region of the United States.

Juniper Trees

8. Blue Star Juniper 

The dense branches of this juniper are great for displaying its blue needles. This is another shrub-like tree, perfect for a smaller blue showcase.  

You can find this tree in our (new favorite) USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

9. Blue Chip (Creeping Juniper)

This low-growing, evergreen shrub is one of the lowest maintenance plants we can think of.

Creeping juniper can adapt to any soil, including areas suffering from drought or is severely lacking nutrients.

We’ll leave you with that, but this is a great one to keep in mind!

10. Blue Point Juniper 

Blue point juniper acts as a great screen, or something to add if you are looking for some easy lawn vegetation. 

It maintains its broad pyramid shape well without the need for pruning. 

As it’s shaping out, junipers are a pretty low-maintenance option!

11. Blue Pfitzer Juniper 

The blue pfitzer’s needles turn a bluish-purple color in the winter months, creating a brilliant contrast to the snow and the grey of dreary days.

This shrub grows up to about 10 feet tall and gives off the appearance of being very loose, almost fluffy if one does not look too closely at all the little needles making up this outward appearance.

12. Blue Creeper Juniper

This juniper is smaller than usual. Reaching a maximum height of 2 feet, it is more of a mid-sized shrub than a tree at all. 

Fit for USDA zones 3-7, this juniper does well in relatively cold climates. 

Its foliage appears bluer in the winter months, but it is a great accent piece for any yard during any time of year.

Also, as it only needs to be watered occasionally, this bush is low maintenance with the reward of its beautiful blue-green coloring.

Spruce Trees

Spruce trees are often kept as shrubs instead of full-sized trees. If this is your intent, you can read our article on on the 6 simple steps to keeping your blue spruce tree small to make sure your desires are met!

Also, it is possible to make these trees even more blue than they currently are. You can find out more in our article about how to make your blue spruce tree more blue!

13. Blue Spruce AKA Colorado Spruce  

Native to the Rocky Mountains, it is no wonder the blue spruce is also commonly referred to as the Colorado spruce. 

You can find this one in USDA zones 1-7, showing how adaptable this tree can be as it thrives in so many temperature ranges. 

If you’re wondering why your blue spruce isn’t very blue (or not as blue as it should be) you can learn more about how to fix your blue spruce’s color here.

14. ‘Baby Blue Eyes’ Spruce 

This is another dense, pyramid-shaped tree with bluish-green needles, which stand out nicely against the other, deep green trees in its region.

This one is not as cold-hardy as other spruces, starting to die in zone 3. This just means it prefers an environment more similar to the juniper trees listed above. 

15. Skylands Spruce 

A unique species, the skylands spruce has much to offer. It is a robust, symmetrical tree that gives its denser relatives a run for their money, visually speaking. 

A mature skylands spruce will reach only about 15 feet, making this another one of our most manageable city and small yard-friendly trees. 

16. Kosteri Spruce

A form of the common blue spruce, this spruce essentially just takes on its own unique form. Whether it is straight and tall or sweeping and loose, the kosteri spruce is a beautiful offshoot of its more common parent tree.

Why Are These Trees Needles Blue?

The question of the day is here- what makes these needles blue? Do they simply appear blue or is this color an accurate representation of these needles?

The truth is, these needles are just a different color. It’s like how certain trees have leaves of a deeper green than others. There’s no specific ‘cause’, it’s just how the tree itself was created. 

It is a beautiful, unique, characteristic, though!

If you already have one of these trees and it is looking a little less blue than usual, here are some tips to get the beautiful color back, 4 Reasons Your Blue Spruce Isn’t Blue (And How To Fix It).

That’s All, But Don’t Feel Blue!

That’s what we have for you today. As a reminder, this is not exactly an exhaustive list of every single tree with needles or leaves with a blue hue, but it is comprehensive enough to get your education started!

If you decide you want a blue conifer yourself, or just want to remember the trees we talked about today (after all, 16 is a lot!), you can use the below list to job your memory.

Here are the 16 trees that have blue needles and leaves:

• Blue Atlas Cedar
• Arizona Cypress
• Boulevard Cypress
• Curly Tops Cypress
• Golden Mop Cypress
• Balsam Fir
• Candicans White Fir
• Blue Star Juniper
• Blue Chip Juniper (AKA Creeping Juniper)
• Blue Point Juniper
• Blue Pfitzer Juniper
• Blue Creeper Juniper
• Blue Spruce (AKA Colorado Spruce)
• ‘Baby Blue Eyes’ Spruce
• Skylands Spruce
• Kosteri Spruce

Thank you for reading this article, and taking the time to learn a little more about the trees that are such a big part of our world!

I hope this piece helps you feel informed as you continue along your personal tree journey. It’s all about growth!

References

Cetin, M., Sevik, H., & Cobanoglu, O. (2020). Ca, Cu, and Li in washed and unwashed specimens of needles, bark, and branches of the blue spruce (Picea pungens) in the city of Ankara. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(17), 21816-21825.

Pekins, P. J., Lindzey, F. G., & Gessaman, J. A. (1991). Physical characteristics of blue grouse winter use-trees and roost sites. The Great Basin Naturalist, 244-248.

Cypress trees look like evergreens with their small needle-like leaves and round cones, but they are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in Autumn. Cypress trees have many uses and applications which make it cypress wood valuable and expensive compared to wood such as pine. 

Milled cypress wood is naturally water-resistant, decay-resistant, and durable. These qualities make cypress wood a premium choice for use in homes and heavy construction and thus, more expensive. Other cypress wood uses include boat docks, piers, siding, furniture, paneling, fence posts, and boats.

Read on to learn more about the uses of cypress wood and its value!

Cypress Wood Is Valuable

Cypress lumber usage has been documented since before America was settled. The trees create an oily resin that makes the milled lumber water-resistant, decay-resistant, and also repels most insects.

These traits, along with other quality characteristics, make cypress lumber some of the most versatile, as well as valuable lumber to come from the coastal US.

Cypress Tree Are Slow Growing

Cypress trees require wet areas to grow, especially before they get established. They also do not grow as fast as some trees like the fast-growing pine trees, meaning it takes years longer for the trees to grow large enough to use for lumber. 

Some cypress wood, like pecky cypress wood, is extremely valuable because it is created by a fungus. The fungus creates a pattern of pockets pleasing to the eye and sought after by artisan woodworkers. This type of wood is also quite rare, adding to the value. 

Uses For Cypress Wood

Cypress lumber is an all-around useful wood with many practical uses.

A Journal of Delta Studies tells us cypress wood is used for roof shingles, boats, posts and pilings, caskets, water tanks, sugar crates, furniture, and appliances. This is, of course, alongside its construction uses.

Cypress Wood Was Used For Dugout Canoes And Boats

Cypress wood use has been documented since the beginning of record-keeping. Native Americans use cypress to craft canoes for transportation across the swamp and wetlands. They would cut down the tree and hold the trunk over a fire to soften the bark so they could carve it out into the shape of a canoe.

The natural water and decay-resistant traits made these canoes a staple for Native American life on the swamps and marshlands. With these hollowed-out trunks, Native Americans could trade with other communities, fish, and hunt in other areas. Without these cypress wood canoes, they might not have survived in the swamps. 

We still build some boats today with cypress wood. Especially by boating enthusiasts who want to build vessels. It is softer than oak or teak wood, meaning it is a little easier to work with, and of course, as stated above, it is naturally water and rot-resistant.

Skilled craft workers with the right tools can create gorgeous works of art that also serve as watercraft. 

Cypress Wood Is Used To Build Log Homes

Cypress wood today is still used to build log homes. These trees produce a preservative called Cypressene, which helps with water and decay resistance. It also repels insects like termites and carpenter bees who love to cut out perfect-looking dime-sized holes and burrow into soffits and siding of wood houses.

Cypress trees are softwood, but because of the tightly packed growth rings, they are often considered hardwood. Also, because of the narrow growth rings, they are less susceptible to shrinkage, twisting, and warping, making cypress trunks a perfect wood for log homes. 

If you have stayed in a log cabin on a vacation, it was most likely built with cypress logs.

Cypress Wood Is Used For Boat Docks And Piers

Cypress trees often grow in swamplands and marshes, leaving the lower trunks and roots completely submerged. Therefore, it makes sense to use this wood to make boat docks and piers. The wood stains well and can last upwards of 40 years.

If the wood came from heartwood and/or from an old-growth tree, with proper care, the wood could last upwards of 100 years. Again, the minimal shrinkage, twisting, and warping associated with cypress wood makes a splendid choice for docks and piers. 

Cypress Wood Is Used For Siding And Roofing Shingles For Houses

Similar to the benefits of using cypress wood for the above-mentioned applications, this wood is also used for siding and roofing shingles. Similar to cedar, cypress makes great siding and shingles because they both have resistant qualities to insects, harsh weather, water, and shrinkage.

Cypress has more of the insect resisting oils in it making it a slightly better choice, and it is oftentimes cheaper than cedar. 

The cypress wood used for shingles also ages well, slowly turning a silvery-gray color as the years go by. To prevent the wood from maturing to a pewter color, just seal the wood or stain it. Cypress wood takes sealants and stains very well compared to more resinous types of lumber. 

Since it is a softer wood, cypress works well on the exterior of your house and acts similarly to some pine species. Nails and screws are less likely to bend, break, or split the wood when attaching to the side or roof of the house. 

Cypress Wood Is Used For Outdoor Furniture 

With the natural ability to weather well, cypress wood is a great medium for outdoor furniture. Cypress wood is often used for outdoor fireplace mantels, tables and chairs, and outdoor kitchen cabinets. Outdoor cypress furniture that is properly treated and sealed will give its owner a lifetime of quality service. 

The lumber from cypress trees is easily worked. Meaning it can be cut, carved, and sanded with power tools or by hand with ease. This makes cypress wood a standout choice for woodworking and furniture making. 

Paneling Is Made From Cypress Wood

Cypress wood paneling is gaining popularity in houses because of the pleasing, compact grain pattern and the rich golden color of the natural wood. Cypress also takes stains, oils, sealers, and paints well, making it a versatile option for wall coverings. 

Stadium Seats Are Sometimes Made From Cypress Wood

Similar to outdoor furniture, stadium seats are sometimes made from cypress wood. Cypress wood simply seems to be made for this kind of application.

Stadium seats spend a lot of time in disuse, in harsh weather like baking sun, heavy rains, and snow. With all the beneficial attributes included in cypress wood, it makes stadium seating last a long time, reducing the cost of having to replace seats often. 

Ground Cypress Trees Are Used As Mulch

You can ground cypress trees down for mulch. It is a light-colored mulch, and it often carries a pleasing aromatic scent. It is a natural insect-repelling mulch as well as containing fungal resistance.

Like the long-lasting qualities of cedar mulch, cypress mulch lasts as much as two to three times longer than comparable hardwood mulches. 

Cypress mulch deters weeds, holds in moisture for your plants, prevents airborne seeds from reaching the ground and germinating, and regulates temperatures for plant roots. It also deters insects and reptiles. 

One thing to be on the lookout for is to be sure your cypress mulch does not contain sapwood. This could end up attracting insects because they can make a meal of it. 

Cypress Oil Is Used In Shampoo And Beauty Products

Cypress oil has many uses as well. The oil-resin of cypress trees is extracted using a steam distillation process. The purified cypress oil is in several products many of us use all the time.

Things like shampoo, beauty products, and health products contain cypress oil occasionally. 

You can even get it as an essential oil, like the Artizen Cypress Essential Oil, which some claim has a host of health benefits. It comes in high quality, UV protected glass bottles, and has a lifetime warranty. As with any health related products, be sure to contact a professional before use.

Is Cypress A Hardwood Or Softwood?

Softwood With Attributes Of Hardwood

Cypress wood is a softwood, but it has some of the best attributes of hardwood. It is easy to work like softwood, but has a tighter grain and growth rings like hardwood. Cypress is also less likely than other softwoods to warp, shrink, split, or twist, making it a good option where hardwoods are often preferred.

Another attribute of cypress wood is it is strong and light. It is strong, like hardwoods like maple and ash, but is light like the softer pine wood. It’s no wonder why this wood is so popular and coveted all around. 

Is Cypress Wood Good For Furniture?

Furniture made from cypress wood is durable and long-lasting both indoors and outdoors. Being water-resistant and decay-resistant only adds to the value and is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture.

From tables and Adirondack chairs to outdoor cabinets, furniture made from cypress wood has exceptional longevity and durability, even when exposed to the extremes of outdoor elements. 

Where Do Cypress Trees Grow?

Bald cypress’ native range includes the southeastern U.S., where it is the dominant tree in swampy environments. Although it is a conifer, it loses its leaves in the fall.

The cones and balls of bald cypress trees also have many uses. You can learn about a few of them here: 5 Different Uses For Bald Cypress Cones And Balls.

Two factors limit the natural range of the bald cypress: the need for constant moisture until a sapling root reaches the water table and the need for seasonal flooding to eliminate invading hardwoods.

What Makes Cypress Wood So Valuable?

Cypress wood is valuable for several reasons. First off is the natural water-resistance of the wood, making it a great building material for many applications, such as piers, docks, boats, and exterior siding and shingles for houses.

Cypress Is Rot And Insect Resistant

It also has ingrained rot and insect resistance. These reasons make cypress wood more valuable in some applications compared to pine, poplar, oak, and others that have to be treated chemically to increase the rot and insect resistance. 

An article from Texas Parks and Wildlife tells us Cypress is also referred to as “wood eternal” because its heartwood is so decay-resistant.

Cypress Wood Is Less Likely To Twist Or Warp

The compressed wood grain or growth rings of cypress wood also increase the value. Because of the tighter growth rings of the tree, when the tree is processed and turned into logs or other building materials, cypress wood is less likely to warp, twist, or shrink. These traits make cypress wood the perfect material for exterior applications and log cabins. 

Cypress Wood Makes Great Log Cabins

Log cabins are meant to last lifetimes, and they will not be any good if the wood shrinks in a few years or warps and bends because of the weather extremes. Cypress wood logs are characteristically resistant to twisting or misshaping because of the tight grain patterns in the wood.  

Exterior Applications Look Beautiful With Cypress Wood

The excessive longevity and durability of cypress is great for nearly all outdoor applications. Brilliant looks, and a natural golden hue of the wood, which matures into a silvery-gray hue when left untreated, are more reasons it is used.

Matured cypress is reminiscent of aged pewter that some people find exceptionally pleasing and increases the value of cypress wood.

Old-Growth Cypress Is More Valuable 

Old-growth cypress trees are getting harder and harder to find for several reasons. This rarity makes heartwood cypress, the wood with much fewer knots, richer color, and a tighter grain, more valuable. Old-growth, heartwood cypress is also the most aesthetically pleasing.

Old-growth cypress trees are more valuable because of fewer knots, a tighter grain, and richer color. A tree has to be at least 80 to 150 years old to be considered old growth. Most old-growth trees are protected or have already been harvested, making old-growth wood more valuable and expensive. 

Cypress trees used in building materials are rather slower-growing trees. It may take some up to 30 years to become mature enough to get enough lumber from the tree to make it worth cutting down. This makes old-growth trees harder and harder to find. 

Pecky cypress is the most valuable because of a fungus that creates patterns of pockets people find appealing. 

Why Is Cypress Wood So Expensive?

The rising cost of cypress wood has several factors built into it. Most of all is the law of supply and demand. As demand for quality cypress wood increases and the supply decreases, naturally the price will increase.

There are other mitigating factors added to the high cost of cypress wood. Let’s explore those reasons now. 

Cypress Tree Habitat Destruction

Bald cypress trees grow along the marshlands and swamps along the Eastern coast of the US. They also need lots of water, nearly flooding, until their roots get deep enough to reach the water table before they become established. 

These wetland habitats are getting drained and covered over to make room for houses, buildings, and roads, making natural cypress groves rare, thus causing a shortage of cypress wood. 

Quick Harvesting And Slow Growth Makes Cypress Wood Valuable

It does not take long to cut down a tree and mill it into usable lumber, but it takes a cypress tree around 30 years to reach commercial maturity. The resources it takes to grow a cypress tree and keep it growing and healthy for 30 years makes the wood more expensive. 

Cypress trees in the wild can take a long time to germinate as well. In the swamps and wetlands when the seeds from a cypress tree drop they often fall into standing water.

Even though they grow in standing water, the seeds will not germinate while submerged. There have been reports of seeds staying underwater for 30 years before they reach dry land and sprout. 

Cypress Trees Have Become Unsustainable

The demand for cypress wood products, destruction of its habitat, and cutting down of old-growth cypress groves has made this wood unsustainable. Meaning the supply continues to dwindle, but the demand for cypress wood stays the same or increases.

Demand for cypress wood has increased along the gulf coast because of its inherent water and rot-resistant qualities, therefore increasing the price of good cypress wood.

Just these traits alone, being exceptionally water resistant, rot resistant, as well as insect-resistant, help to increase the value and price of cypress wood. 

Demand For Antique Cypress Millwork

Along with the above reasons, more and more people living in finer homes along the coast are looking for and collecting antique cypress millwork to display in their residences. Again, as the demand goes up and supply dwindles, the cost will also rise.

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is often more expensive than fresh culled lumber. But old-growth cypress wood is increasingly difficult to come across, and people who want that kind of heartwood cypress will pay the prices.

The pecky cypress wood mentioned earlier is also part of the rise in cost. It looks like linear divots carved out of the wood, making it seem more aged, and giving the wood more character. People will pay premium prices for the distinguished pecky cypress, sometimes up to 3 or 4 times as much as solid cypress. 

That’s A Wrap!

Cypress wood has many uses, especially in housing and building construction. From siding and shingles, log cabins, paneling, boat docks, piers, mulch, and even boats, cypress wood is a versatile lumber useful for many projects. 

Its water, insect, rot, and decay-resistant characteristics make it a very valuable wood as well. Unfortunately, because of the slow growth rates, reduced supply, and higher than typical demand, the price of cypress lumber will continue to grow.

References:

Beilmann, A. P. (1940). The Bald Cypress as a shade tree. Bull. Mo. bot. Gdn, 28, 111-4. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19400621403

Liu, W., Thummasuwan, S., Sehgal, S. K., Chouvarine, P., & Peterson, D. G. (2011). Characterization of the genome of bald cypress. BMC Genomics, 12(1).

Therrell, M. D., Elliott, E. A., Meko, M. D., Bregy, J. C., Tucker, C. S., Harley, G. L., Maxwell, J. T., & Tootle, G. A. (2020). Streamflow Variability Indicated by False Rings in Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.). Forests, 11(10), 1100.

The bald cypress is a tree in the Cupressaceae family. This tree is a deciduous conifer similar to a pine tree. They produce cones and grow in harsh swampy conditions. The name bald comes from it being one of five conifers that shed their needles in the fall. 

Bald cypress balls and cones are an incredibly useful resource produced by a beautiful tree. Known for their uses, including medicine, insect repellent, and many others. You can make bald cypress balls and cones into oil, resin, and even tea.

So, have you ever wondered just what the heck bald cypress balls/cones are? Keep reading on as we discuss in-depth the uses of the balls and cones of cypress trees!

Where Do Bald Cypress Trees Grow?

Deep in the swampland, this gorgeous tree grows. Alligators and turtles often make their homes near these trees. Jagged knees protrude out of the ground as this tree towers over, providing ample shade for the creatures below.  

In-fact, the Seminole Indians used the wood of this tree to carve out their canoes. Charlie Cypress, born in 1869, was famous for his canoes crafted of this cypress.

Now, however, you will see this tree as a wonderful landscape tree. Cypress trees grow in zones four through nine and along pond banks and other wet areas. Because of their love of the swamp, they are usually very adaptive trees, and enjoy most soil types but prefer sandy acidic soil. 

They dislike shade and will not thrive in areas without full sun. They will tolerate being a little drier, however, mites will quickly become an issue if it is overly dry. Other than mites, this tree has few pests. 

Pests of cypress trees include cypress moths, mites, fall webworm, and a few others. You can easily take care of these pests by applying insecticide, cleaning up leaves and other debris around the tree, and general maintenance. 

This tree can make a fantastic addition to yards that flood easily. Make sure you water well, if not, and fertilize in the spring. Frequently test your soil to be sure that it is acidic enough, if not amend your soil. 

Many love the look of this tree next to the water. Though at night they can be a little spooky. This tree provides excellent shade around your yard and can make a wonderful place to sit and relax. 

Correctly planning the planting of this tree is key to ensuring its proper growth and development. With careful planning, you should have outstanding success growing this tree!

If cared for correctly, this tree will bless you with the beloved Cypress Knees for all your crafts. These knees are great for carving, painting, or leaving blank as decorations! Some even use them in reptile enclosures to provide enrichment to their animals.

If you’re interested in the different types of cypress trees, check out our piece:  9 Differences Between Bald Cypress And Pond Cypress Trees.

Cypress Lumber Was Used For Canoes

Cypress lumber is used for many crafts. Its strength and look are beloved all over. The grain is fine and the wood color is a light yellow.

These woods’ natural oils help repel insects and keep decay at bay. The wood is strong and often used for various crafts that go outdoors. Over time, the wood will turn a gray color with age. 

The real star use is its use for boat making. Native Americans used bald cypress wood for crafting their canoes. Because of the environment in which the tree lives, this wood is an excellent boat material.

It can also be used to make boat docks as well. Overall, many choose to find wood native to their area. This is because most native lumber holds up better in its natural environment.

Is A Bald Cypress Tree An Evergreen?

The question of the day!

Unlike others in its family, the bald cypress is not an evergreen. It loses its needles in the fall, as an oak tree or others would. This is unique as it is in the conifer family but annually loses its needles.

What Are The Little Balls On A Bald Cypress?

Unlike pine trees, bald cypress trees’ cones are not exactly a cone shape, but round little balls. These balls contain the seeds that will grow future cypress trees and feed wildlife such as squirrels and birds. 

These balls contain a sticky sap, also known as a resin. The resin has many uses, including making healing balms. 

What Can I Do With Cypress Balls And Cones?

Bald cypress cones really are not in the shape of a cone. They are round balls that contain seeds. 

Bald cypress cones produce resin, which have been used in healing balms. Some people claim it has beneficial properties for skin rashes and wounds. By adding resin to an oil and beeswax mixture

Wildlife animals can eat these cones (humans shouldn’t eat them.) Animals such as turkeys, rabbits, and squirrels will eat bald cypress cones when given the chance!

According to Stetson University, bald cypress trees may even have medicinal value!

Feed Cypress Balls To Squirrels

Squirrels love eating the seeds inside of the cypress balls! This makes a wonderful tree to feed squirrels. Not only do squirrels enjoy them, other animals such as turkeys and woodpeckers will also consume the seeds within the cypress balls.

Planting this tree could also discourage squirrels from feasting on your bird feeders, as it will provide them with a food source alternative other than your birdseed. 

Enjoy the view as animals eat the seeds from these. However, they can make a mess by tearing up the balls, so be wary of that.

Germinate Bald Cypress Trees To Plant More

Because of the nature of bald cypress and their love of water, for the seeds to germinate, they must be moist at all times. To aid in moisture retention, germinate seeds using a paper towel and freezer bag. This will help retain more water.

Remove the seeds from the cone. This allows for a better germination rate because you can pay special attention to each seed. 

The best seed starting mixture would be equal parts sand and peat moss. Keeping this mixture moist is key to having a good germination rate of the seeds. 

Throughout the growing time, until the tree reaches the optimal height to plant in the ground, be sure to take care of your seedling by keeping the soil moist. These trees need ample sunlight and warmth to grow properly. This is due to their native environment. 

Bald cypress can be maintained like a bonsai tree. This is a popular way to grow such attractive trees. Repot your bonsai often to help maintain healthy soil and root system. You also should fertilize these with regular fertilizer. 

Repel Bugs With Cypress Oil

Cypress oil can repel some bugs such as water bugs. The powerful smell is unappealing to insects and often they will avoid areas with the scent as it masks potential food sources for them and irritates their senses.

This is a less researched method for cypress oil and may not be totally effective.

Cypress Wood Is Used For Furniture

The best product produced by bald cypress is its wood! This wood is very durable, resistant to rot, and lovely to look at. 

Many woodworkers use this wood to build furniture and other projects, as it looks fantastic. It also is commonly used as wooden flooring. Wooden flooring is a very beautiful flooring for all homes. 

You should properly care for your wood floor by keeping it cleaned and waxed. Polish the flooring often to keep a lustrous shine and to keep it protected and only use wood safe cleaners on it like Murphy’s Oil Soap.

But the ultimate cypress wood product is their knees. Cypress knees make fantastic decorative pieces. They are renowned for cypress carvings, seen in this informative book Carving Cypress Knees, and their overall look. 

Can You Eat Bald Cypress Balls?

Although humans don’t consume bald cypress cones and balls, animals such as squirrels and birds do. This makes this tree a wonderful addition to your backyard oasis. If you love watching wildlife, this is the tree for you as it will attract a variety of animals. 

That’s A Wrap!

Bald cypress trees are wonderful trees that grow in the swamps and bayous in the southern states. They are sought after for their knees, which are wood growths that stick out of the ground. 

These trees do fantastic in wet soil with high acidity. They make a fantastic shade tree for your yards and do well in flooded areas!

The cones attract various wildlife, so for the enthusiast, this is a fantastic thing. Squirrels and rabbits will feast on the dropped cones and you can enjoy the sights of watching them.

Caring for these trees is relatively easy, as they are pretty hardy trees. This is because of their preferred swamp habitat. As long as they have full sun, they should thrive. 

The oil from this tree is great at repelling bugs like cockroaches. Use the oil in places pests may be present. 

Cypress lumber is loved for its versatility in building. Native Americans used cypress wood to build their canoes. However, the real star is cypress knees. These are beloved by crafters around.

References 

“Taxodium Distichum (Baldcypress, Bald Cypress, Cypress) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” Ncsu.edu, 2019, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/taxodium-distichum/. Accessed 16 Dec. 2019.

Stahle, D. W., & Cleaveland, M. K. (1996). Large-scale climatic influences on baldcypress tree growth across the southeastern United States. In Climatic Variations and Forcing Mechanisms of the Last 2000 Years (pp. 125-140). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.

Conner, W. H., & Toliver, J. R. (1990). Long-term trends in the bald-cypress (Taxodium distichum) resource in Louisiana (USA). Forest Ecology and Management, 33, 543-557.

If you’ve ever been to a swampy region of the southeastern United States, you’ve probably seen a bald cypress or pond cypress tree. They’re pretty unforgettable with their strange base of many root-like structures that appear to prop the rest of the tree above the water. The bald and pond cypress are closely related but differ in a few ways.

In truth, the best way to tell apart a bald cypress from a pond cypress is to look at the leaves. Bald cypress trees have needle leaves alternating on the twig, while pond cypress trees have longer needle leaves that point upward toward the sky instead of outward from the twig.

Read on to learn about all the differences between a bald cypress tree and a pond cypress tree. We’ll also cover some similarities between the two and go over what all this talk of ‘knees’ is about.

Bald Cypress And Pond Cypress: What’s The Difference?

There are a few people out there in the botany world that aren’t convinced that pond cypress and bald cypress are, in fact, different species. They argue that the difference between them is due to environmental influence, not necessarily a difference in genes.

With that being said, the general consensus is that the bald cypress and pond cypress are two different species. Although, it can be almost impossible to tell the difference when both trees are young.

The best time to try to differentiate between a bald cypress and a pond cypress is when the trees are mature. You’ll also want to check them out in the summer to early fall. This is when the leaves are developed enough to differentiate them, but they haven’t fallen off yet for the winter season.

If you haven’t already guessed, both trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall. Considering cypress tree ‘leaves’ consist of needles, this can be a little surprising to those of us that are used to trees with needles being evergreen.

Not our cypress trees!

So, how can we tell these two closely-related trees apart? Is it as obvious as the difference between a maple and oak or something more elusive?

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Leaves

Leaves are often a distinguishing feature of trees but can be problematic if you’re tree peeping in the winter. So, if you’re checking out cypress trees, be sure to look in the summer or early fall.

Bald cypress trees have needle leaves that are alternating on the twig. They are very similar to a yew tree, which is where they get their Latin name ‘Taxodium’ which means ‘yew like.’ 

Pond cypress leaves are also needlelike, but they are longer and tend to point upward toward the sky instead of outward away from the twig.

Both trees change color in the fall to a reddish-brown before the leaves drop off for the winter season.

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Elevation

Since both bald cypress and pond cypress like to be in moist environments, it’s no surprise that both trees grow at lower elevations. 

Bald cypress trees can grow at higher elevations than pond cypress, up to a maximum known elevation of 1,750 feet. Even then, the trees growing at this elevation are very isolated. Pond cypress trees are unlikely to grow at elevations even above 100 feet, according to the USDA Forest Service.

So, if you’re cruising around at 1,000-foot elevation and see one of these trees, you can bet it’s a bald cypress, not a pond cypress.

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Native Range

This is another obvious way to tell if you’re looking at a bald cypress or pond cypress. The native range of the bald cypress is more extensive than that of the pond cypress. 

If you are inland and spot a cypress tree, you are more likely to be looking at a bald cypress than a pond cypress, as pond cypresses normally grow along coasts, not inland.

Bald cypress trees grow along the east and southeast coasts, reaching as far north as southeast New Jersey, as far south as the southern tip of Florida, and as far west as southeast Texas. 

The bald cypress also thrives inland in the southeastern states, including Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. They mostly grow along rivers, streams, and sometimes in ponds, but the bald cypress prefers moving water to stagnant water.

Pond cypress trees are less widely distributed. They’re found from southeast Virginia, south along the coast to parts of Florida. Turning west, you can find them along the gulf coast over to southeast Louisiana, according to the USDA Forest Service’s Fire Effects Information System.

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Temperature Needs

In general, bald cypress trees can withstand colder temperatures than the pond cypress tree. There seems to be a pattern here, huh?

It can get pretty chilly up in the New Jersey area. Bald cypresses have been known to survive temperatures all the way down to -29℉! The pond cypress can only withstand temps down to 10℉. 

Bald cypress trees can put up with a wider variety of climates than the pond cypress. This is why the bald cypress is more widely distributed, and the pond cypress is mainly secluded to warm coastal climates.

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Growing Conditions

We mentioned the preferred elevation and temperature, a cut and dry statistic, but what about soil?

In this particular circumstance, the pond cypress is actually more tolerant than the bald cypress. The pond cypress is okay with acidic soil, whereas the bald cypress will either have stunted growth or will not grow at all in acidic soils.

Pond cypress trees like to grow in poorly drained areas, shallow ponds, or stagnant water. You’ll rarely see a pond cypress along a river or fast-moving stream. These areas are more likely the home of bald cypress trees, which prefer moving water.

One of the most interesting features of the bald cypress tree is that it actually prefers to grow in areas that flood regularly! This is how the tree gathers much of its nutrients, and one way, its seeds are carried off to possible grow sites.

Neither bald cypress nor pond cypress can withstand high levels of salinity in the soil or the water they are growing in, according to a 2009 study.

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Full Height At Maturity

Obviously, this can be difficult to discern if the trees you are looking at are not mature. Not only that, but how can you tell when a tree is mature? It can’t exactly tell you…

Suffice to say; if you’re looking at a towering tree that seems to be over 70 feet, you’re likely looking at a bald cypress. These trees can reach heights up to 120 feet, according to the Texas Parks & Wildlife, whereas the pond cypress rarely exceeds 60 feet.

Growth rates also differ between the two trees. While both are slow-growing trees, the pond cypress grows at turtle speed compared to the bald cypress. This is most likely due to the less fertile growing conditions of the pond cypress.

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Uses

Trees are super useful to the world. They make a lot of things we humans take for granted. Our furniture, cabinets, paper, books, coffee sleeves, wine corks, and even some of our medicine all come from trees.

Every tree has its own advantages. Some are better suited to make pulp, wood chips, or simply to provide shade, while others are stronger and can be used for houses, bridges, and other sturdy objects.

Both pond cypress and bald cypress fall in that latter category. The timber is TOUGH and used for things like bridges, rafters, boat planks, construction, and fences.

In addition to being tough, this lumber is in high demand because of its ability to resist decay. Cypressene is a special oil made by these trees that keeps the wood from decaying.

So, bald cypress and pond cypress are tough…what else are they good for?

Both trees provide a ton of benefits to all the swampy critters that hang around. Evening grosbeak, squirrels, wild turkeys, and ducks all benefit from bald cypress seeds, which they munch on. 

Bald eagles and osprey use the top of the tree for nesting sites. And when the long-lived bald cypress finally falls, the underwater logs provide a spawning ground for catfish.

Pond cypress trees provide similar benefits but in a different niche. The long-legged herons and egrets make nesting sites near them. They also provide one of the only breeding grounds for certain species of tree frogs, toads, salamanders, and other slimy critters.

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Bark

If you’re looking for differences between pond cypress and bald cypress and the leaves have already fallen off, you can try to differentiate them from the bark instead.

In general, both cypress trees have thin bark, making them susceptible to fire. However, pond cypress bark is thicker than bald cypress, making it slightly more resistant to fire, according to the USDA Forest Service.

Bald cypress bark tends to have sharper ridges compared to the rounded ridges of the pond cypress. The color of the bark is anywhere from brown to grey for both trees.

This can be a difficult tool to use to tell the difference between bald cypress and pond cypress, but it can be helpful in the winter season when leaves aren’t available.

Bald Cyprus vs. Pond Cyprus Tree Shape

This one doesn’t always pan out, as not every tree grows the same way each time. Soil conditions, and in the case of a bald cypress tree, flooding conditions as well, affect the tree’s growth rate and direction of growth.

If you’re seeing a cypress tree that is more pointed like that of a Christmas tree, you’re most likely looking at a pond cypress. Bald cypress trees have a rounded appearance with more uniform branches.

You’ll also notice that the leaves of the pond cypress are likely pointing upward or pressed against the branches. This is where the tree gets its pointed shape. Bald cypress leaves typically point outward from the twig, giving it a rounded appearance.

Cypress Trees Have Knees?

Bald cypress trees have a peculiar habit that botanists still haven’t figured out.

Yes, bald cypress trees grow protrusions from the ground called knees. Pond cypress trees are less likely to develop knees, but some do. They are typically more rounded, whereas the bald cypress knees are pointed, like a stalagmite. The purpose of the knees isn’t well understood.

When they are removed or cut down, the trees don’t seem to mind all that much. Knees are more likely to develop on trees that are at least partially submerged in water.

Fun fact: bald cypress trees even produce cones!

Cypress Trees Are Water Purifiers

As we mentioned before, bald cypress trees like to grow on floodplains. The nutrients that are carried in floods help the tree grow, and in turn, the tree helps purify the water.

Bald cypress trees can survive waters up to 10 feet deep, and sometimes more. Similar to how some trees can purify the air, bald cypress trees can purify the water by reducing the number of pollutants and harmful agents in the water. 

Cypress domes are a specific type of swamp characterized by smaller cypress trees growing on the outer rim of the area and taller trees growing toward the center. This gives the swamp a dome-like appearance, hence the name.

These domes are so good at purifying water that they can serve as sewage treatment facilities, helping to recharge the groundwater and improve the water quality.

Wrapping Up Our Cypress Tree Knowledge!

That’s all we have for now on the differences between a bald cypress and a pond cypress. These two trees are closely related, both being of the Taxodium genus. However, there are a few differences between them.

To recap, the major difference between a bald cypress and a pond cypress include:

• Leaves
• Elevation
• Native Range
• Temperature Needs
• Growing Conditions
• Height at Maturity
• Uses
• Bark
• Tree Shape

Turning the page on the differences between the two trees, there are also many similarities. Both trees have the same active flowering periods, germination periods, and both have a partial tolerance to shade, making them a common dominant species in tree stands.

Both bald cypress and pond cypress are also monoecious, meaning they have both male and female parts on the trees. Seed dispersal is often carried about by swamp critters like squirrels and rabbits. 

Lastly, both trees like growing on relatively flat topography and do not do well in slopey areas. This isn’t really surprising, seeing as both trees prefer poorly drained soils and moist areas, which are rarely found on hillsides where water simply flows downhill.

Hopefully, this article has cleared up any confusion between a bald cypress and a pond cypress. Both trees have some amazing attributes and give us humans beautiful scenery to look at.

References

Bacchus, S. T., Hamazaki, T., Britton, K. O., & Haines, B. L. (2007, June 08). Soluble sugar composition of pond-cypress: a potential hydroecological indicator of ground water perturbations. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 36(1), 55-65. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2000.tb04248.x

Krauss, K. W., Duberstein, J. A., Doyle, T. W., Conner, W. H., Day, R. H., Inabinette, L. W., & Whitbeck, J. L. (2009). Site condition, structure, and growth of baldcypress along tidal/non-tidal salinity gradients. Wetlands, 29, 505-519. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1672/08-77.1

Stahle, D. W., Burnette, D. J., Villanueva, J., Cerano, J., Fye, F. K., Griffin, R. D., Cleveland, M. K., Stahle, D. K., Edmondson, J. R., & Wolff, K. P. (2012, February 21). Tree-ring analysis of ancient bald cypress trees and subfossil wood. Quaternary Science Reviews, 34, 1-15. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277379111003489

Watts, A. C., Kobziar, L. N., & Snyder, J. R. (2012). Fire reinforces structure of pondcypress (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium) Domes in a wetland landscape. Wetlands, 32, 439-448. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13157-012-0277-9