Taxodium distichum

Or Red Cypress.
I came across this amazing tree in Delapre Park today. I've not noticed it on previous visits so I don't think I've ever been here in the autumn. I certainly would have remembered it. It shone like a beacon amongst the yews and cedars in that part of the park.
There aren't many deciduous conifers and this one has to be the most stunning.
I had a larch in my old garden which went yellow shortly before shedding it's leaves but the main reason I liked it was for the branches that had small cones on which made great Christmas decorations sprayed white, gold or silver and used in flower arrangements. I miss that tree.
I'm looking forward to the next few weeks when I start doing table arrangements, wreaths and start putting fairy lights in the garden. I shall feel really festive then! :-)