Bald Cypress Tree – (Taxodium distichum) is a common tree in the wetland areas and swamps of Florida. The base of the tree is wide at the bottom to give it greater support since the root structure does not extend deep into the wet soil bed. The roots extend outward and form networks with other Bald Cypress trees. The trees develop knees or short stumps nearby and their purpose is to provide oxygen to the tree. These trees are located in areas that are immersed in water much of the year. The smaller of the Cypress trees is the Pond Cypress which grows in dryer areas of wetlands. These trees are important for the structure of a swamp since they hold soil in place and they also provide habitat for birds such as Limpkins and Wood Stork. The Bald Cypress was logged heavily earlier in the 20th Century and dense stands disappeared but they are being replaced in areas to restore wetlands. Some of the best Bald Cypress trees that I have seen in Florida were at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Ft. Myers and Old Growth Bald Cypress trees at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples.