Cypress In Spring
By Holly Parker, Communications and Outreach Intern
As the days continue to grow warmer, bald cypress trees begin to bud and bloom – their leaves creating a canopy habitat for many species of wildlife, including birds such as herons and ducks. Cypresses are deciduous conifers, shedding their needles in the fall and growing new ones in the spring, an unusual characteristic for coniferous species, which typically retain their foliage year-round. These versatile trees are essential to the well-being of the Midlands, as they provide flood control, water quality protection, and wildlife habitat. Cypress trees can be found throughout our region, with some of the most impressive found within the COWASEE Basin.
Cypress trees are able to provide flood control by absorbing enormous amounts of water through their deep, spreading roots, stabilizing surrounding soil. Bald cypress trees feature unique root protrusions known as "knees," which rise above the water's surface. While these knees are commonly believed to assist with aeration and provide stability, dendrologists – or botanists who study trees and other woody plants – are still exploring hypotheses about their true purpose. The cypress's complex root system allows them to thrive in waterlogged areas, ideal for our swampy state. Their roots also absorb pollutants in the water, which helps with overall water quality. Although cypresses are water-loving trees, they are also remarkably resilient to drought conditions as well.
Bald cypresses can grow up to 120 feet tall, and often live for hundreds of years with the oldest bald cypress tree at 2,629 years old, located in North Carolina (that’s older than the Roman Empire!), and the tallest known individual in Congaree National Park, standing at 127 feet high and 50 feet wide.
While bald cypress are seen as resilient to the elements, withstanding floods and droughts alike, they are not immune to all environmental challenges. While central South Carolina isn't directly coastal, saltwater intrusion and sea level rise are increasingly concerning issues for SC, especially with increasing storm surges. As sea levels rise, saltwater flooding becomes more frequent. Bald cypress trees cannot absorb saltwater, as the high salinity damages their tissues, limiting water intake and creating nutrient stress. This can severely hinder their growth and survival, especially in areas where the transition between freshwater and saltwater is becoming more pronounced.
Another significant threat to bald cypress trees is the spread of invasive species such as the Bradford pear, Chinese privet, and Chinese wisteria. These aggressive plants compete with native vegetation for sunlight, water, and nutrients, often overpowering and displacing the native flora. Invasive wildlife also poses a danger – nutria, a non-native swamp rodent, is known to uproot young cypress seedlings, disrupting regeneration efforts. While the control of these species is a labor-intensive process, it remains essential to safeguarding the future of bald cypress populations.
The preservation of swamps, wetlands, and forested areas is crucial for the protection of these iconic trees. Efforts to conserve these habitats not only safeguard cypress populations but also protect the broader ecosystem that relies on these wetlands. In collaboration with conservation partners, Congaree Land Trust is dedicated to preserving and securing these areas throughout the Midlands, ensuring a future where bald cypress trees, and the diverse habitats they support, can continue to thrive.
