Form and size: Tall and pyramidal.

Range: The cypress is a southern tree, but is found under cultivation in
parks and on lawns in northern United States.

Soil and location: Grows naturally in swamps, but will also do well in
ordinary well-drained, good soil. In its natural habitat it sends
out special roots above water. These are known as "_cypress knees_"
(Fig. 18) and serve to provide air to the submerged roots of the
tree.

Enemies: None of importance.

Value for planting: An excellent tree for park and lawn planting.

Commercial value: The wood is light, soft, and easily worked. It is used
for general construction, interior finish, railroad ties, posts and
cooperage.

Other characters: The _bark_ is thin and scaly. The _fruit_ is a cone
about an inch in diameter. The general _color_ of the tree is a
dull, deep green which, however, turns orange brown in the fall.

Comparisons: The cypress and the larch are apt to be confused,
especially in the winter, when the leaves of both have dropped. The
cypress is more slender and is taller in form. The leaves of each
are very different, as will be seen from the accompanying
illustrations.