pondcypress

Taxodium ascendens is a medium-sized deciduous conifer that is native to the southeastern United States. Taxodium ascendens reaches on average 15–18 metres (49–59 ft) in height. Pond cypress are typically between 50 – 85 ft tall and 15–30 ft wide. Compared to T. distichum, the leaves are shorter (3–10 mm long), slenderer and are on shoots that tend to be erect rather than spreading. The trunk is expanded at the base, even on young trees, assisting the tree in anchoring in the soft, muddy soil. The cones also tend to be smaller, not over 2.5 cm diameter. The pond cypress leaves are more needle-shaped (like the shaft of an awl or a screwdriver), in a spiral arrangement that stays close to the stem. The leaves are deciduous, simple, alternate, awl-like needles. Its cones are round, ovulate, between 1⁄2–1+1⁄4 inches (1.3–3.2 cm) long. The bark is also a paler gray color. Cypresses are known for their prominent "knees" and buttressed trunks that define the species however Taxodium ascendens is less likely to have "knees" than Taxodium distichum. Like bald cypresses, pond cypresses growing in water have a characteristic growth trait called cypress knees; these are woody projections called 'pneumatophores', which are sent above the water from the roots.Due to the dry nature of the habitat for the pond cypress, it has developed thicker, fire resistant bark.

This species is native to the southeastern United States, from southeastern Virginia to southeastern Louisiana and south into Florida except for the Florida Keys. Stunted individuals of pond cypress are notable in the dwarf cypress savanna of the Everglades National Park. Taxodium ascendens is most frequently found in the southeastern United States ranging from Virginia to Louisiana.

Like many other large semiaquatic plants, Taxodium ascendens roots and trunk provides structural complexity to shelter to young aquatic animals such as the larvae of amphibians and juvenile fish. Specifically the endangered flatwoods salamander will only lay their eggs in dry ponds populated with Taxodium ascendens. Taxodium ascendens is susceptible to fires during the drier arid seasons where ponds lose the majority of their water but these trees have developed a thicker bark to better survive these conditions.

Taxodium ascendens is typically used for ornamental purposes or decoration in more urban environments unlike the bald cypress which can be used in heavy duty construction. Pond cypress are also used in wetland restoration and enhancement.

The varietal name "imbricatum" means overlapping, in reference to the manner in which the leaves lie on the twigs. The term “ascendens” suggests the leaves that point or grow upward in an arching or curving fashion.