Cypress dome

A cypress dome is a type of swamp, typically dominated by pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens). The trees at the center of the swamp grow higher than the trees at the edge, which forms a dome-like shape of treetops when viewed from a distance. Cypress domes form in flatland depressions in the Gulf coastal plain and southern Atlantic coastal plain, in the states of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Cypress domes form when pond cypress grow in shallow standing water. The ground level in the center of the dome may be several inches to a few feet lower than at the edge of the dome, but tree growth is more vigorous at the center of the dome. Thus, the treetops are higher at the center than at the edge of the dome.

Cypress domes are the most common swamp habitat in Florida. Most abundant in Central Florida, they also occur in other areas of Florida above the Florida Keys.

Southern coastal plain nonriverine cypress domes are found throughout the southern coastal plains. Swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) sometimes grow along with cypress. These domes can be found in Eglin Air Force Base, and in numerous preserves including Cypress Creek Preserve and Conner Preserve. In North Florida, domes can contain pondspice (Litsea aestivalis), panhandle spiderlily (Hymenocallis henryae), and small-flowered meadow beauty (Rhexia parviflora).

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