303.733.1292
800-692-WOOD(9663)
303.733.1292
800-692-WOOD(9663)
Botanical Name
Taxodium distichum
Other Common Names
Baldy Cypress, Louisiana Cypress, Pond Cypress, Southern Cypress
Region
Atlantic, and Gulf Coast North America
The Tree
Bald cypress trees can reach heights of 150 feet, with diameters of 12 feet and an age of 2000 years. Most commonly, however, it grows to about 100 feet, 5 feet in diameter, and an age of 500 years. When grown in wet conditions, the tree produces "knees"; extensions of the roots which grow above the ground and the surface of the water and allow oxygen to reach the roots.
Appearance
The sapwood of bald cypress is narrow and nearly white. The color of the heartwood varies widely, ranging from light yellowish brown to dark brownish red, brown, or chocolate.
Properties
Frequently the wood of certain bald cypress trees contains pockets or localized area attacked by a fungus. Such wood is known as "pecky" cypress. The decay caused by this fungus is arrested when the wood is cut into lumber and dried. Peck cypress, therefore, is durable and useful where water tightness is unnecessary, and appearance is not important or a novel effect is desired. Examples of such usage are as paneling in restaurants, stores, and other buildings.
Working Properties
The wood is moderately heavy, moderately strong, and moderately hard.
Uses
Decorative Paneling.
Availability
It is not as readily available as it was several decades ago.