What are the properties of cypress wood?

"Cypress lumber is lumber made from cypress trees, usually trees in the genus Taxodium. "

"Cypress has a very fine grain, and when newly milled, it is a rich golden color. Some people treat it with varnish to retain this color, while others may opt to paint and stain the wood. Cypress takes paints, stains, varnishes, and other treatments very well. It is also possible to leave cypress lumber untreated to naturally weather, in which case it will eventually take on a gray color."

-wisegeek.com