by species — by state — by size — by height
National Champion Baldcypress Taxodium distichium Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge West Feliciana Parish, Lousianna Circumference = 644 inches (53.7 feet) Height = 83 feet Average Crown Spread = ? feet age: 1,500 years (estimated) nominated: ? by: ?

The Baldcypress is most always the largest and tallest tree in old swamp forests of the South. The State Tree of Louisiana is the universal symbol of the southeastern swamps, where it grows slowly, often reaching great size and age. Old-growth baldcypress from Florida to Illinois contain some of the oldest trees in North America, only surpassed in age by two or three western conifers.

A heated rivalry between Florida and Louisiana contests which state has the rightful National Champion baldcypress. This controversy has surfaced in regional newspapers:

The Senator Rises Above Controversy To resolve these disputes, many experts recommend using the measurement of total volume to decide the ultimate champion.

Baldcypress is the largest and oldest tree in Illinois.

 by species — by state — by size — by height