Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia)

in MD@D&M
An easy way to tell them apart is that Metasequoia's leaves are opposite and Bald Cypress leaves alternate.
Compare this leaf at:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=metas2_003_ahp.tif
with the leaf inset (on left) above.

And here is an example of the alternate leaf of the Bald Cypress:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=tadi2_001_avd.tif

The Dawn Redwood is not native to the U.S. It is a conifer, but deciduous. This fastest growing conifer can put on as much growth as 5' p/yr when conditions are ideal.

This one comes with the added bonus of a hatched Chinese Praying Mantis egg case.