This tree can be seen at a distance from the the Peabody side of the pedestrian bridge that goes across 21st Ave. It is between the Werthan Building of Medical Center North and the street. To examine the tree closely, cross the bridge and turn left.

Bald cypress is unusual because it is one of the few conifers that looses its needles in the winter.   It produces cones that are quite different from pines.  The cones are round balls which split open along the lines producing rounded scales something like thumbtacks.  The seeds fall from between the scales.

Bald cypress is not found naturally in middle Tennessee.  However it is an important swamp tree along the Mississippi River as far north as Illinois and along the southern coast.  It is one of the few trees that can grow in standing water.  In swamp conditions, the bottom of the tree develops "buttswell" by flaring out near the ground.  Trees planted in dryer conditions do not show this trait. 

You can get a closer look at a bald cypress along the edge of Library Lawn.