Leaf Identification

The leaves of the Pond Cypress are dull green flat needles that are 1/4″ long on average and cling to the twig. They are sharp at the tip. In the fall, they turn to a rust color.

Twig and Bud Identification

The twig is completely covered by overlapping leaves. The branch that the twigs branch from is brown and scaly with vertical stripes. The budding twigs look like small brown knobs that stick out of the branch.

Bark Identification

The bark of the Pond Cypress is reddish-brown with long vertical flaky scales. The scales form thin furrows.

Cone Identification

The ovulate cones of the Pond Cypress are roughly globular, with irregularly shaped and ridged fused segments that slightly fissure as they mature from light green to brown. The staminate cones are on hanging catkins and are dark brown.