Cypress: pretender to hardwood title

YPRESS is a paradox in the umber industry in that it is considered a hardwood when it really isn't.

Long grouped and manufactured with hardwoods because it grows with them, cypress, despite popular belief, is really a softwood. The confusion is intensified by the fact that cypress is graded under the rules of both the National Hardwood Lumber Association and the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. All types of cypress may be graded according to the NHLA rules, but ony tidewater red cypress comes under the jurisdiction of the southern group.

Cypress lumber is well known for its long life and ability to hold paint. Part of its reputation for being one of the most durable woods in America results from the heartwood being naturally resistant to decay and termites. Sapwood does not have the same resistance, although it is extremely durable.

Cypress doesn't normally check or warp. It is one of the most economical woods to paint. Official tests of paint retention qualities put it in a group of specially selected woods which can hold paint longer than most and offer maximum resistance against damage from the elements. Even without the protection of paint, cypress will last for centuries, acquiring a lovely natural color.

Cypress is widely used for both interior and exterior trim, paneling, doors, siding and porch flooring. The lower grades make excellent fencing boards.

Cypress grows mainly in the southern portion of the United States. It is usually found in an area extending from southern Delaware along the Atlqntic cnastline throush all of Flor- ida, into the Gulf States and up the Mississippi Valley to Indiana.

Cypress roots like water. For this reason it is often found in swamps, river bottoms and sloughs. Much of the tidewater red cypress was inaccessible until helicopter harvesting developed.

Cypress is contradictory in its growth habits in that handsome trees are often found growing in very dry situations in the parks of many cities. Cypress also is one of only two softwoods found in America which shed foliage in the fall like hardwoods. Larch, also known as tamarack, is the other deciduous softwood.

Pecky cypress which is valued by architects for rustic wall paneling, trim, false beams and special woodwork is a grade of cypress. It has many elongated, roundish pits or cavities. These "pecks" are caused by a peculiar fungus which attacks some logs. Pathologists have studied the fungus and its habits, but are uncertain of its origin or life cycle. The fungus attack ceases when the lumber is cut and seasoned. While not as strong as other cypress, it is equally durable.

The amount of pecky cypress available commercially is small. Most cypress lumber is straight, sound, fine grained and beautiful. Three sets bf grades are used to cover the requirements for cypress since it is used in industry as well as construction. These grades are yard, factory and structural.

Cypress knees are used by manufacturers of novelties for items such as vases and souvenirs. The knee is a strange conelike growth developed from the root system. It seems to be of value in supporting the tree and aerates the root system by carrying oxygen to it. The wood in the knee is very soft, light and punky.

Story at a Glance

Cypress becomes a hardwood by associalion. .graded under NHLA rules...extremely durable...prized for use both inside and out.

Most cypress is felled above the swelling at the base of the trunk since the wood from this area is often inferior. This swelling is common among swamp grown species and offers extra support to roots growing in mud and water.

Although there are only two sPecies, cypress is known by numerous names. The Taxodium distichum species is identified as gulf cypress, Louisiana red cypress, tidewater red cypress, yellow cypress and white cypress, to nzrme a few. The second species of cypress recognized by the Forest Service is Toxodium distichum var. hutans.It is commonly known as pond cypress, but because it is found very seldom and grows very small, it has no commercial value.