Congaree National Park protects the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America. – National Park Guide

Moss on the trunk of a water tupelo indicates the water level of previous floods.

“Knees” of bald cypress grow up from the roots throughout the forest floor. Their function is not entirely understood, but seem to offer structural support during floods and high winds. My guess is they might disrupt the force of a flood’s current like rocks in a stream.