Pasco Home to Champion Bald Cypress Tree

Pasco County’s Environmental Lands Division has reason to celebrate.

One of the bald cypress trees found in its Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve has been officially recognized as a champion by the Florida Forest Service. At 128 feet tall, 26 feet around and with a branch spread of about 25 feet, the monster tree has been named the state’s eighth tallest.

The tree is located in a preserve that was the very first purchased with Penny for Pasco funds. That 1-cent sales tax was voted into being by Pasco residents to fund schools, parks and other projects.

“Foresters who harvested much of Florida’s old-growth cypress probably skipped over this tree because of a large scar, presumably from a lightning strike, on its western side,” Cristina Esposito, Program Coordinator and Land Manager for Pasco County Environmental Lands Division, was quoted in a media release as saying. “It is the largest recorded bald-cypress in Pasco County and now ranks as a Challenger to Florida’s two Co-Champion bald-cypresses, both near Jasper.”

Residents who want to check out the tree can visit the preserve, 17135 Minneola Drive, in Spring Hill. The tree is visible from a boardwalk within the preserve.

Pasco County officials, however, warn visitors that the preserve can be quite difficult to maneuver in periods of heavy rainfall.

The Champion Tree Program was created by the American Forests organization to put a spotlight on the country’s largest trees.

To find out more about the environmental lands division, visit the county’s website.

Photo Credit: Pasco’s champion bald cypress. Photo courtesy of Pasco County