This wetland inhabitant has insect resistant wood like cedar, a virtually disease free tree. Seeds of this tree are an important staple of the Florida crane. Deer and rabbits feed on young saplings. Nutria and other rodents eat young roots and bark. These are long lived trees and there is a 500 year old bald cypress within the city limits of Austin, Texas.
Disease resistant wood used for making tables, railroad ties, shingles, support beams. There are still large stands in protected forests and wetlands of the South. But much of the timber on private land has been over harvested.
Root knees are made into table tops, household decor.
