Standing like sentinels guarding a fortress, bald cypress trees dominate the swamps of South Florida.

The majestic, old growth bald cypress trees at Corkscrew are approaching 600 years in age and reach heights of 130 feet. They comprise the largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest in North America.

Swamps develop over time under the right conditions. As organic (peat) soils accumulate, trees begin to have an advantage over other wetland plants. Because the peat may only be several feet deep, mature cypress trees rely on an extensive system of horizontal roots; cypress knees grow up from the roots to provide the extra stability necessary to have weathered hundreds of years of storms and hurricanes.

Natural cavities in the old growth trees provide homes for barred owls, screech owls, wood ducks, raccoons, and other cavity nesters, while pileated, red-bellied, and downy woodpeckers excavate their own holes.

Because the cypress lose their needles for several months during the winter, light filters down to the forest floor enabling a rich diversity of understory plants to thrive. Epiphytic orchids and airplants grow on the pond apple trees, ferns colonize fallen trees and establish themselves on the cypress knees, and red maples take advantage of breaks in the canopy.

Bald Cypress Forest

Pig Frog Carolina Wren Gray Squirrel

Barred Owl Rigid Epidendrum orchid Alligator Flag bloom

Pileated Woodpecker Soft-shelled Turtle Swamp Lily

Limpkin Alligator Buttonbush   Continue along the boardwalk to the Central Marsh by clicking the arrow.

Tour intro | Pine Flatwood | Wet Prairie | Pond Cypress | Bald Cypress Forest | Central Marsh | Lettuce Lakes | Blair Center