It’s a tree with roots that grow up and out of the ground – and no one knows exactly why. These knobby root segments are called ‘knees’ and they sometimes grow out of the water too, reaching heights up to 6 foot. Their scientific name is pneumatophores, and it is believed that these growths allow the tree to access oxygen or help it remain stable in its native environment of swamplands.
THIS TREE IS CALLED THE BALD CYPRESS
It grows naturally in the swampy settings along banks of rivers, lakes and streams and is abundant in the southeastern U.S. It was designated the official state tree of Louisiana in 1963.
BUT HERE ARE THE REALLY COOL FACTS
Its wood is decay resistant and free from insects and diseases…hard to believe as the trees tend to live and thrive in water. Also, the tree can reach heights of 150′ and despite being so tall, they easily tolerate high winds and ice storms.
OK, SO YOU KNEW THIS WAS COMING…
Is the Bald Cypress Tree suitable for firewood?
I know, why would you need to burn a Cypress Tree? First of all, this is a website where I provide information for wood burners and second, if you live in the eastern half of the U.S. or anywhere you might find a Bald Cypress Tree, you need to know the wood from this tree is a ‘softwood’ which burns up fast and would not last very long in a wood fire.
If you burn firewood for heat or for cooking food, this wood is not your best choice. However, if used for kindling or even mixing with hardwoods, it would be just fine.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you get the wood for free…take it and burn it. As long as the wood is properly seasoned, it is an excellent choice for fire starting and maintaining.
Don’t forget to grab your FREE copy of the “Trees We Need” book located on our FREE STUFF page. You’ll find 200 pages chock full of information on trees and the great outdoors.
BZ
You can get our NEWSLETTER HERE. There’s tips and exclusive offers we save for our mailing list only.
