A lovely young pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) communes with the Bayou Comeaux Louisiana iris in the low wet area we call the Bottom. Pond cypress is a close cousin of bald cypress. We've learned that pond cypress doesn't make knees like bald cypress. Bald cypress is a wonderful tree, but its knees have caused many costly lawn mower repairs. Since Katrina, my plant friends and I have moved both bald cypress and pond cypress to the top of our "Preferred Tree List" because both came through the storm in fine style.