Guadalupe River “Pecky” Sinker Cypress

“Pecky” is an unusual name for an unusual “variety” of Sinker Cypress. A cross-section cut of a Pecky Sinker Cypress log reveals something you don’t normally see in a slice of wood – lots of irregular-shaped holes. These holes are what give it a character that sets it apart from any other wood. Pecky Sinker Cypress is quite rare, creating a high demand for it. The Pecky holes are caused by a type of fungus that creates hollow tubes running vertically throughout the tree which is where the unique appearance comes from. This fungus only grows while the tree is alive, and the fungus typically doesn’t start to germinate inside the Cypress tree until it’s around 125 years old.

While working on a project at a home located on the Guadalupe River for which this wood is named, I noticed a big Cypress tree that was down and in the river. I asked the owner of the property how long the tree had been in the river and he told me a little over 2 years. I asked him if I got it out of the river could I have the log and he said absolutely. A friend who came to assist with the tree removal, proceeded to chain the log to the back of his little Chevy S-10 pickup because he was sure his truck could pull the load. Not only could the truck not pull the load, it lost its back bumper in the process. I rented a Bobcat and got the log out of the river.