Pat, it is indeed cypress mulch. I've used cypress, aspen, and a peat moss/play sand mix. I like the look of the cypress the best, and it doesn't get all over Trent making him real dirty and dull looking like the peat moss did. I'm not sure how well it is for poop cleaning yet. This is the first time I've used it for him now that he's a little larger, and the only poop he's taken has been directly on the fake leaves... damn lizard.