Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Native from the east-central and southeastern United States to Guatemala, this deciduous conifer in the cypress family commonly grows about 50 to 70 feet tall. Its feathery foliage turns coppery brown before falling. It thrives along rivers and in swamps, developing a flared trunk base and woody root projections called knees on wet sites. Rounded cones contain seeds eaten by wood ducks, squirrels, and other wildlife. Its durable heartwood has been used for boats, shingles, and construction. Some trees along the Black River in North Carolina, United States, exceed 2,000 years old. Photographed in Florida.