Cypress Knees

Cypress trees grow in the swamps along the bayous of the Southeastern U.S. As the trees mature extensions of the root system grow above the water or ground line forming a very unique shape. These root formations are known as "knees" and they are a very unique material with no two pieces being the same. Harvesting these knees does not injure the tree in any way and the tree soon forms another knee and continues to grow. These knees are quite soft and easy to carve with either hand or power tools. They can also be used for unique bases and stands for fish and wildlife carvings.