Taxodium Ascendens also known as Pond Cypress is similar to bald cypress in that the trunk is perfectly straight 50 to 60 feet tall, pond cypress has a narrower crown, is smaller, and has a more open habit. It is found along the edges of streams and around the edge of swampy ground where water is standing. The bright green, awl-shaped leaves are arranged in an upright row formation along the branches when young, the leaves turn an attractive light brown in fall before dropping but the bare branches and light brown, ridged bark provide much landscape interest during the winter. The trunk grows unusually thick toward the base, even on young trees. This is thought to provide support for the tree in its wet habitat. The small seeds are used by some birds and squirrels. These plants are fast growers they are 3-4 feet in height and come in one gallon pots.