Good news!—the Dufrene’s cypress in Des Allemands (see previous entry) is a Louisiana Purchase Cypress Legacy tree. In fact, it’s likely that it was at least 100 years old at the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Here’s how we arrived at the tree’s estimated age of at least 300 years:
Circumference: 14’4”—measured above buttress, 9 ft. from base
Diameter: 4’8”
Radius: 2’4”
Core Sample length: 14.75 inches Rings counted: approx. 197.
Extrapolated total rings: 14.75” /197 = 28”/x x = 365 rings
This tree has been well known to the Dufrene family for several generations. Before construction of a levee behind the tree in the early 1900’s, this tree was part of the Grand Bayou swamp , likely growing in a habitat conducive to very slow steady growth, as reflected in the many closely spaced growth rings on the core sample (see photo below).
This grand old cypress is very much part of community life in Des Allemands—several weddings have taken place beneath its canopy.
Murray, Terri, Chelsey, and Bryleigh Dufrene (shown in picture with LPCL plaque #27) are now proud stewards of what is likely one of the oldest cypress in St. Charles Parish.
If you know of others in St. Charles Parish (or any where else in Louisiana) that may qualify as La. Purchase Cypress Legacy trees (alive in 1803), please let us know. Leave a message in the comment section or at LaPurchaseCypressLegacy@gmail.com.
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