The bald cypress is a tree native to the southeastern United States, commonly found in wetlands and swamps. It is known for its distinctive, knobby roots called "knees," which help stabilize the tree in waterlogged soil. The tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a conical shape with feathery, needle-like leaves that turn a reddish-brown in the fall. Bald cypress trees are deciduous conifers, meaning they lose their leaves in winter. They thrive in areas with standing water and can live for hundreds of years. This tree is often associated with the Everglades and is important for local ecosystems, providing habitat for various wildlife.