What kind of pine do I have in my backyard and why have all the pine needles fallen off ?? (grow, trees)

[heydade]

Here are some pics.... The owner told me what they were, but I don't want to mention it just yet because I don't want to throw anyone off by putting thoughts in your head. He told me during the winter they die and in the summer they start blooming again. Is this true ? I thought pine trees were evergreens ? I am in South Florida. As you can see, they also drop seedlings that cause small babies to grow...at least I think that's what it is, unless they are part of the root system. Any insight into what I have and if the dying is normal is appreciated. Thanks !

[southernnaturelover]

It's either a Bald Cypress or a Pond Cypress (Taxodium). While they are a conifer, they are not evergreen. The "babies" you see are part of the root system, it helps the trees to breathe in swamps. They are really great trees, very hurricane resistant.

[jimboburnsy]

Yep... The "babies" are a dead giveaway that this is a species of Cypress.

[southernnaturelover]

I want to also add that the trees do not "die" during the winter, they go dormant, just like oaks and maples.

[heydade]

Thanks for the tips ! Pond cypress it is ! I knew it was Cypress...but didn't know what kind. Did some research and saw this picture..so now I know for sure it's pond cypress...

[mawipafl]

I'm just learning about the flora and fauna of FL -- do I have it correct that the 'babies' (aka exposed parts of the root system) are called "knees"?

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by mawipafl

-- do I have it correct that the 'babies' (aka exposed parts of the root system) are called "knees"?

yes

[mawipafl]

Thank you southernnaturelover ... and my next question: what other kind(s) of "needle" tree loses its needles in 'winter'? Slash pine? Long leaf pine? I have a grove of them behind me -- in winter they shed most of their needles so that there are just clumps left that look like hanging bats.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by mawipafl

Thank you southernnaturelover ... and my next question: what other kind(s) of "needle" tree loses its needles in 'winter'? Slash pine? Long leaf pine? I have a grove of them behind me -- in winter they shed most of their needles so that there are just clumps left that look like hanging bats.

Are you sure you're not also seeing cypress trees? They lose their cone shape and get more flat topped when they get older.

Both Longleaf and Slash pines are evergreen (unless they're dead).

[Tennesseestorm]

Oh yeah - Bald Cypress. I have one of those that has flourished. Mine looses its needles though in November up here in Tennessee and new ones grow back in March. I dont think I have ever seen them with the "knees" though unless they were in a swamp. I guess Florida is different.