North
American Cypress (Taxodium distichum), grows in wet, swampy
areas along the Eastern Coast from Delaware to Florida and
west along the Gulf to the Mexican border in Texas and north
up the Mississippi River Valley. This water-loving tree grows
best in the swampy areas of Florida and the lower Mississippi
river and can reach heights of up to 145 feet. Common names
for cypress include: Baldcypress, bald cypress, cypress, swamp
cypress, southern cypress, red cypress, yellow cypress, white
cypress, tidewater cypress, gulf cypress, black cypress, cow
cypress
Cypress
trees are one of two American conifers (softwoods) that shed
foliage in the fall like hardwoods. Although a softwood, it
has traditionally been grouped and manufactured with hardwoods
because it grows alongside hardwoods and is even graded by the
rules of the National Hardwood Lumber Association.
Cypress
has many exterior and interior uses. Cypress heartwood is
extremely decay and insect resistant due to the naturally
occurring preservative known as cypressine. It is an ideal
choice for house construction, docks, beams, decks, flooring,
paneling and siding. Cypress can also be milled to make doors,
windows, rails, and even caskets. The ancient Egyptians used
cypress to produce the pharaoh’s caskets, and in the Middle
Ages, craftsmen used it to carve enormous cathedral doors.
One
Cypress grade that is particularly popular for interior
paneling is Pecky cypress. Although the exact cause is
unknown, Pecky occurs when the wood is attacked by fungus,
resulting in lens-shaped pockets throughout the wood. When
finally cut for paneling, it yields an attractive three
dimensional look unlike any other wood. Studies have not
revealed the exact origin of the fungus or why it attacks only
certain trees. Even though Pecky Cypress is considered an
independent grade, it is not as readily available as the
Selects and Commons and therefore offers a special opportunity
to present a truly unique rustic appearance.
Cypress
is as beautiful and distinctive on the inside as it is durable
on the outside. Due to the slow growth, the rings are much
closer than in most wood species. These close rings tend to
make cypress more energy efficient, and decreased shrinkage
makes it more durable and stable. In its natural state, the
wood is a pale honey color that features light streaks on a
darker background, and unsealed, weathers to an even gray on
the surface. Even though it tested as a high paint retainer,
most prefer the wood unpainted, as it will last for hundreds
of years in this state with minimal checking or warping.
Supply
of Cypress is tied directly to the weather. Because much of
the cypress is found in swampy areas, it is hard to get to,
sometimes requiring helicopters for removal. Statistics show
that growth of cypress is greater than removal.
