Louisiana designated the bald cypress official state tree in 1963. Unlike most conifers (which are evergreens), the bald cypress is deciduous (loses its needles in the fall - giving the tree a "bald" appearance). A majestic tree that grows in many parts of Louisiana, particularly in swampy areas.

Bald cypress knees in the swamp © Louisiana artist Guy Fanguy
(used by permission)

The shape of the bald cypress depends greatly on the amount and duration of flooding in the area. When located in swampy soils, the bald cypress forms "knees" with age that grow up from the roots, probably for stability.

Bald cypress swamp in Illinois photo by Ted Trovillion /
U.S. Fish & Wildife Service

Bald cypress prefer wet, swampy soils (on riverbanks, floodplains, or wet depressions) but are widely adaptable. Cypress wood is very resistant to decay and the wood is considered valuable for a variety of products.