Narrowly to broadly pyramidal when young, Bald cypress, the state tree of Louisiana, eventually develops into a broad-topped, spreading, open specimen when mature.

 

Capable of reaching 100 to 150 feet in height, most landscape specimens are rarely seen in this open form because they are usually much younger and shorter. Trees grow at a moderately fast rate, reaching 40 to 50 feet in about 15 to 25 years.

 

Although it is native to wetlands along running streams, growth is often faster on moist, welldrained soil. The pale green, needle-like leaves turn a brilliant coppery red in fall before dropping, but the bare branches and reddish gray, peeling bark provide much landscape interest during the winter. The trunk grows unusually thick toward the base, even on young trees. The small seeds are used by some birds and squirrels.