Cypress Tree Quiz

Save the Trees Please - Especially the State Tree of Louisiana

The cypress tree is a long-lived wetland species that grows along rivers, streams and creeks as well as in swamps with slow moving water. It can live as long as 600 years old. It is a legendary tree of the Deep South known for its "knees," moss-draped crown, and buttressed trunk.

Because of the unique shape of the base of each trunk, artists have created clocks, furniture, and wall décor from the cross-sections of this tree. In the landscaping industry, the cypress is planted for its ornamental beauty. Older cypress trees are especially desired in the timber industry because they are durable and resistant to rot. However, lumber use has declined because it is a slow-growing tree, it is harvested from wetlands, and the population of mature trees is much smaller than in the past.

To take the quiz, read the question and then place your mouse cursor over what you think is the correct answer and we'll tell you right away if you are right.

Question #1:

The cypress is a wetland species that grows along rivers, streams and creeks as well as in swamps with slow moving water.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #2:

Older cypress trees produce "elbows," protrusions that rise above the water level and helps to stabilize the tree in the soft soil and supplying oxygen to the roots.

TrueFalse. The protrusions are called "knees."

FalseRight, they are called knees not elbows! Try another one.

Question #3:

Cypress trees can live to be as old as 600 years old, which means some could have been here when Columbus made his first trip to the New World.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #4:

Even though they can be old, cypress trees are small.

TrueFalse. Cypress trees are big and can grow to more than 150 feet tall. They can have trunks wider than six feet.

FalseYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

Question #5:

Protection of cypress forests requires limiting logging and prohibiting development activities in these wetlands.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #6:

The inside of the cypress trunk produces wood known as "heartwood" which is highly prized for its rubbery texture and ability to produce syrup.

TrueFalse. Heartwood is prized for its strength and durability, as well as its resistance to rot.

FalseYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

Question #7:

Cypress forests naturally filter pollutants and excess nutrients before they contaminate swimming and fishing areas.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #8:

Cypress trees grow slowly, and because of over-harvesting of mature trees, there are fewer cypress forests than in the past.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #9:

Cypress trees provide habitat for a variety of animals, such as migratory songbirds, ducks, herons and even the ivory-billed woodpecker, recently believed to be extinct.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #10:

Many animals find shelter in and around the base of large old-growth trees.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #11:

Most bald cypress forests were decimated by 1930. What remains today was either too remote or too young at the time to be sawed into planks, the best of which were often five feet wide.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #12:

The loss of cypress trees upsets the whole ecosystem, turning swamps into inhospitable marshes.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #13:

When they are cut down, cypress forests throughout Louisiana will regenerate even in the face of major changes in water levels.

TrueFalse. Cypress trees need protection from pollution, logging and loss of habitat due to man.

FalseYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

Question #14:

The cypress swamps are part of Louisiana's national image and support our economy through eco-tourism, including bird watching, swamp tours, wildlife photography and outdoor recreation including fishing, boating and camping.

TrueYou picked the right answer! Try another one.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

Question #15:

Cypress forests provide critical protection for coastal communities by protecting them from the worst of hurricane and tidal storm surges.

TrueYou picked the right answer! See how well you did below.

FalseSorry wrong answer. Guess again.

How did you do on the quiz?

If you are a teacher and would like a hard copy or you had trouble taking the quiz online, we have provided a PDF file for download here.

The Delta Chapter is 3,000 of your neighbors supporting the work of the Sierra Club in Louisiana. We advance the cause of protecting Louisiana's environment in a variety of ways, including lobbying the state legislature in Baton Rouge, sponsoring a Mercury Public Education Campaign, raising public awareness about climate change, and working to keep the Atchafalaya Basin, America's greatest river swamp, wet and wild. In addition, we encourage our members to get outside and enjoy our beautiful planet.

The Sierra Club's members and supporters are more than 1.3 million of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.

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