Louisiana State Tree

Bald Cypress

(Taxodium distichum)

The Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) serves as the official state tree of Louisiana, symbolizing the state's rich natural heritage and unique ecosystem. This magnificent deciduous conifer is renowned for its impressive stature and distinctive features, such as its buttressed trunk, needle-like leaves that turn a vibrant copper hue in the fall, and its remarkable adaptation to thrive in swampy, waterlogged environments. The Bald Cypress plays a vital role in Louisiana's landscape, providing habitat for diverse wildlife, including alligators and numerous bird species, while also acting as a natural buffer against flooding. Its resilience in the face of water and its graceful beauty make it a fitting emblem of Louisiana's unique and ecologically important wetlands.