Taxodiaceae

Taxodiaceae is a family of coniferous trees, commonly known as the cypress family. This family is part of the order Cupressales, which also includes other cypress and juniper relatives. Historically, the family was considered larger, but modern classification has placed several genera into other families, particularly Cupressaceae. The remaining genera in Taxodiaceae are characterized by their needle-like or scale-like leaves and their woody cones. These trees are typically found in temperate regions and often thrive in moist environments.

The most well-known members of Taxodiaceae include the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), both of which are famous for their immense size and longevity. Another prominent genus is Taxodium, which includes species like the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), notable for its deciduous nature, a rare trait among conifers. The family's distribution is largely concentrated in North America and eastern Asia. Members of this family are ecologically significant, forming important forest ecosystems and providing habitat for various species. Their wood is often valued for its durability and resistance to decay.