Planted specimens have already reached 25-40 m in height and 1-1.3 m in diameter, despite being in cultivation for under 60 years. Metasequoia has proved an easy tree to grow in temperate regions, and is now widely planted as an ornamental tree. More widespread seed-collecting expeditions in China in the 1990s sought to resolve this problem and restore genetic diversity to cultivated Metasequoia. This was because most of the trees were grown from seeds and cuttings derived from as few as three trees that the Arnold Arboretum had used as its source. In the late 1980s, it was discovered that many of the second generation trees in cultivation suffered from inbreeding depression (extremely low genetic variability) which could lead to increased susceptibility to disease and reproductive failure. In 1948, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University sent an expedition to collect seeds and, soon after, seedling trees were distributed to various universities and arboreta worldwide for growth trials. These were not studied further until 1946 and only finally described as a new living species of Metasequoia in 1948 by Wan Chun Cheng and Hu Hsen Hsu. Metasequoia first showed up as fossils in the Mesozoic Era, (245-265 mya) and in 1944 a small stand of an unidentified tree was discovered in China in Modaoxi by Zhan Wang. The pollen cones are 5-6 mm long, produced on long spikes in early spring they are only produced on trees growing in regions with hot summers. The cones are globose to ovoid, 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter with 16-28 scales, arranged in opposite pairs in four rows, each pair at right angles to the adjacent pair they mature in about 8-9 months after pollination.
![metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood](https://mountauburn.org/wp-content/uploads/Metasequoia-glyptostroboides-3-autumn.jpg)
The leaves are opposite, 1-3 cm long, and bright fresh green, turning a foxy red-brown in fall. While the bark and foliage are similar to the closely related redwood genus Sequoia, Metasequoia differs from the California redwood in that it is deciduous. Metasequoia, along with Sequoia, Sequoiadendron and several other genera, were reclassified from the Taxodiaceae family to Cupressaceae after DNA analysis became possible. It is the only living species in the ancient redwood genus Metasequoia, but three fossil species are known. This species is not originally from North America.Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing tree in the Cypress family native to the Sichuan-Hubei region of China. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. It is not particular as to soil type or pH.
![metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood](https://threatenedconifers.rbge.org.uk/images/uploads/MetasequoiaIMG_162855332_HDR.jpg)
![metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood](https://www.conifers.org/cu/me/6.jpg)
It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water.
#METASEQUOIA GLYPTOSTROBOIDES DAWN REDWOOD FULL#
This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more think of this as a heritage tree for future generations! It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It has no significant negative characteristics.ĭawn Redwood is recommended for the following landscape applications ĭawn Redwood will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone. The peeling antique red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.ĭawn Redwood is an open deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form.
![metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood](https://i.etsystatic.com/20853122/r/il/955ca7/1986900256/il_794xN.1986900256_gurc.jpg)
The ferny bipinnately compound leaves turn an outstanding coppery-bronze in the fall. An ancient and interesting deciduous conifer with a very delicate, ferny appearance, and a very tall, pyramidal habit of growth shaggy, reddish bark is rather appealing, beautiful apricot brown fall color the hardiest of the redwood/sequoia familyĭawn Redwood is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth.