TREE ID: BALD CYPRESS - These trees are known for their cone-shaped “knees” emerging from roots if growing in water. They are native to the swamps, sloughs, and wet bottomland forests of Missouri's bootheel. | Missouri Dept. of Conservation

The Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) tree is the classic tree of southern swamps. When grown in wet soil, it displays a peculiar habit of raising conical "knees" from its roots. The function of these growths is something of a mystery, although some believe it is a way to help the roots get oxygen. This tree dwells in swamps because it out-competes most other trees on such sites. To the surprise of many, the baldcypress does quite well when planted in the right soil in yards or along streets and