Cypress, or baldcypress as it is commonly known in the United States, grows in a range along the Atlantic Coastal Plain from Delaware to Florida and west along the Gulf of Mexico’s coast to the Mexican border in Texas and north up the Mississippi Valley through southern Indiana. The trees can reach heights of 150 feet, with diameters of 12 feet and an age of 2000 years. Most commonly, however, it grows to about 100 feet, 5 feet in diameter, and an age of 500 years. When grown in wet conditions, the tree produces "knees"; extensions of the roots which grow above the ground and the surface of the water and allow oxygen to reach the roots. The wood is valuable because the wood does not rot. Average weight is 32 pounds per cubic foot.

Although cypress is a softwood, it has traditionally been grouped and manufactured with hardwoods. Cypress is a yellowish-red color, often considered almost salmon colored in appearance. The sapwood of cypress is narrow and nearly white. The color of the heartwood varies widely, ranging from light yellowish brown to dark brownish red, brown, or chocolate.

Cypress is a naturally decay-resistant wood and its uses reflect that. It is a popular choice for building construction, posts, beams, decks, docking, porch flooring, greenhouses, siding, and stadium seats. Cypress is also used to make caskets, doors, blinds, sash and other types of millwork. Because of its watertightness, it is also used for cooperage, shingles, in tanks, vats, ship and boat building, and to make railroad cars. Fine grain cypress is used to make custom cabinetry.

It is moderately heavy, moderately hard, strong and moderately stiff with outstanding durability rating in conditions favorable to decay. Sharp tools are necessary to prevent raised grain. It nails and glues well and is high in paint holding ability.