Congaree Self Guided Boardwalk Tour Stop #3

Stop #3

Quick Facts

Location:

33.8256, -80.8255

Significance:

Tour stop

Bald Cypress

The majestic bald cypress trees produce “knees” that rise up from the roots of the tree and can be seen throughout the forest floor. While their function is not entirely understood, it is believed that the knees provide the tree with extra structural support during foods and high winds. Bald cypress trees can live to be over 1,000 years old. Bald cypress wood is rot and water resistant. The wood is often called “wood eternal” because it decays slowly and may remain in perfect condition after 100 years of use. Historically, the Catawba and Congaree tribes used bald cypress wood for canoes, because it was easy to work with and durable. Bald cypress trees were logged in the late 1800s and used in roof shingles, docks, bridges, cabinetry and more, which is why so few old-growth bald cypress trees exist today. 

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