A couple of observations from my experience with Bald Cypress...
The ones I planted in standing water (at pond full) have not grown vertically very fast at all, but have considerably enlarged their trunks (probably still only 6 to 8 feet tall after 4 years). They are also beginning to send up knees. The trees we planted in the yard have experienced an incredible growth rate vertically (trees easily 25 to 30 feet tall) and are simply majestic beautiful trees now 4 years later without any knees.
My conclusion is yes they will survive and grow slowly in standing water, but if you want to see them really take off plant them in dry soil(acidic is better) and keep them well watered. In those conditions, they grow as fast and as beautifully shaped as any tree I have ever seen. I just love the Cypress.
p.s. both the in the water trees and in the yard trees were planted as bare root seedlings.
p.s.s I'd be happy to send pictures of in the water and in the yard trees to anyone for posting but can't take them until weekend.
