Metasequoia glyptostroboides. Deciduous conifer, 70-100 ft (21-30 m), excurrent, pyramidal, flat topped when mature. Needles 15 mm long, opposite, straight or slightly curved, bright green above, light green below. Female cone solitary, ca. Bark reddish brown when young, darker, fissuring, and exfoliating in strips when mature. Hand grafted and propagated at Lime Cross Nursery Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'White Spot’ is a fascinating small tree, has pale green leaves which are marked with subtle creamy-white spots of variegation. Soil Type: Normal, heavy clay, light sandy, chalk, loam. Metasequoia glyptostroboides - Dawn Redwood (Taxodiaceae)-Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a large, deciduous conifer with distinct conical form, fast growth rate, and fairly broad adaptability. Dawn Redwood is less tolerant of adverse conditions than its similar relative, Bald Cypress. FEATURES Form-large specimen tree. Metasequoia glyptostroboides, as described in 1948 by Wan Chun Cheng and Hu Hsen Hsu, in Bulletin of the Fan Memorial Institute of Biology, is commonly known as dawn redwood, water fir, or water larch; as well as 水杉 (shui shan) in the Chinese language, which literally translates to 'water fir.' It is the sole species in Metasequoia S. Miki (1941), a genus initially described from fossil. A fascinating small tree, Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'White Spot' has pale green leaves which are marked with subtle creamy-white spots of variegation. The white variegation is particularly evident when this tree is planted against a dark backdrop of trees.

The dawn redwood or just plain 'metasequoia' (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is one of the three species of sequoia (together with the giant sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum and the coast redwood, Sequoia sempervirens).

The foliage of this Asiatic conifer is very similar to that of the North American bald cypress (Taxodium distichum).

A living fossil

This tree was once one of the most widespread tree species in the Northern hemisphere (during the Tertiary period). Fossils have been found across the northern hemisphere, including Greenland and Spitzbergen, dating from when the continents were further south, and close together sharing a common flora.

In 1941 Shigeru Miki of Japan was reclassifying fossil remains that had been incorrectly classified as Sequoia and Taxodium[1]. Due to its resemblance to the North American coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), he named the tree species Metasequoia, which means 'almost a sequoia, sequoia-ish'. Botanists think this species is the ancestor of the present day coast redwood. To summarize: at that time, the tree was only known as an fossil tree species, extinct for millions of years.

In late autumn of 1947, T. Kan, a Chinese forester of Beijing National Central University, found three strange deciduous trees he had never seen before and during an expedition that followed, a lot of the trees were apparently still alive in a remote area in Southwest China[1].
In 1948 it was discovered that the species belonged to the already described fossil genus Metasequoia and, in an effort to preserve the tree species from logging, it was immediatly spread along arboreta everywhere in the world.

On the left you can see an avenue of young dawn redwoods in a European castle garden (castle De Eester in Belgium), with in the background the unmistakable top of a giant sequoia. On the right you can see the typical base of a dawn redwood (botanical garden of Ghent University).

As opposed to the other sequoia species, this tree is deciduous (it looses its leaves in the autumn). In spring the color of its foliage is bright green and turns to a beautiful foxy yellow and reddish brown in autumn. Because of its remarkable colors and the fact it's very easy to reproduce by cuttings, have made this tree a very popular ornamental tree.

The images above show a dawn redwood, showing off its autumn colors (botanical garden of Ghent University).

The tree is a vigourous grower and reaches heights of 30 to 45 m (100 to 150 ft). This rapid rate of growth has led to consideration for using the tree in forestry plantations.

The crown has a narrow, conical shape. 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. 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.

While it is unlikely the species will disappear due to its wide spread as an ornamental tree, it is threatened in its natural range by logging.

Dawn redwoods in America

Metasequoia has proved an easy tree to grow in temperate regions, and is now widely planted as an ornamental tree. Planted specimens have already reached 25-40 m in height and 1-1.3 m in diameter, despite being in cultivation for under years.

Dawn redwoods are doing very well in north eastern parts of the U.S.
Quite big trees are growing from Niagara Falls, Ontario to New England and the biggest of all in New Jersey, on Long Island and south through Delaware and Philadelphia areas to Virginia.

In the even hotter summers further south, despite high rainfall and humidity, there are few specimens and no big trees at all[1].

Dawn redwoods in Europe

Like in the U.S. these trees are widely planted in the temporate parts of Europe, like the U.K., Belgium, and France. In almost all the parks of some size at least one nice specimen of Metasequoia can be found.

For the reason mentioned above, the oldest dawn redwoods cannot have been planted before 1948 and thus have a maximum age of years.

• U.K.
  The biggest today in Britain are in many gardens like the botanic gardens of het University of Cambridge; at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew by the Lily Pool; at Sheffield Park, Sussex; Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and at Bodnant.

  Most of these trees from the first wave of planting, in 1949-1951, have been planted near water (like the large specimen near the Lily Pond in Kew on the image - in the background a bald cypress can be seen), because of its similarity to the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), that enjoys those wet standing places. But now it is known that the dawn redwood does equally well in drier locations[1].

  The biggest are somewhat grouped into areas where there is a hot summer. In areas with lots of rainfall and cool summers like Scotland, where species like the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) reach their European record sizes, only slow, mediocre dawn redwoods are growing.

• Belgium
  The oldest dawn redwoods in Belgium can be found in the National Botanic Garden of Meise. All of these trees are seedlings of the first shipment of seeds that went around the world in 1948. The seeds in Meise were obtained from the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard (Boston, U.S.).
• The Netherlands
  The as far as I know of thickest Metasequoia of Holland is standing in park Kalheupink in Oldenzaal .
  This tree has a girth of 4.75 m (15.6 ft) at a height of 1.30 m (near the ground the girth is 7.20 m (23.6 ft)[2]).

  A few other 'old' speciments can be found in the Cantonspark in Baarn.
  These seeds were given by E.D. Merrill, director of the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, U.S., to the botanical gardens of Utrecht. The seeds was brought to the Cantonspark where it germinated shortly after that. A number of young trees were distributed among other botanical gardens and tree nurseries in Holland. One of the trees was given as a present to the Dutch queen Juliana and was planted in the royal gardens of Palace Soestdijk.

  The thickest dawn redwood in the Cantonspark has a girth of 4.22 m (14 ft) measured at 1.3 m[3]. It are nice specimens with a ridged trunk, so typical for the species.

  Another old specimen can be found on estate Laag Keppel in Gelderland. The estate is owned by Baron Van Lynden and is not publically accessible. An uncle of the owner, the biologist prof. Mörzer Bruins, was given the seeds in 1950 by a Chinese.
  The specimen in the arboretum Poort-Bulten would have been planted in 1949.

Planting yourself?

The dawn redwood is a fabulous landscape or city tree with fresh green, soft needles in spring and foxy reddish brown needles in fall. It is not so easy to grown them from seeds, but why would you want to do that effort when you can do it much more easy: the dawn redwood is very easy to reproduce by striking cuttings.
Strike some cuttings from a dawn redwood in your neighbourhoud and simply put it in fertile soil. If you keep it wet and warm enough, the cuttings will 'catch on', they wil root easily.

For the more inpatient persons who wish not like to experiment: you can buy dawn redwoods very cheaply in most of the tree nurseries or garden centers (because it is so easy to reproduce them in large numbers).

The bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)

The leaves of the dawn redwood or Metasequoia glyptostroboides are similar to those of the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), that often has 'knees' when planted in or near water. It has been discovered that the dawn redwood too could produce the large, contorted boles for which the bald cypress is well known, if left branched to the ground in full sun.

On the left you can see foliage of the bald cypress, on the right that of a dawn redwood.
The branches of the bald cypress are not opposite and the leaves are somewhat pointy while the foliage of Metasequoia is more rounded.

Scientific classification

Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu & Cheng 1948.
It is the only species in the genus Metasequoia S. Miki 1941, at that time only known from fossils[4].

References

1. 'Alan Mitchell's Trees of Britain', Alan Mitchell, 1996, HarperCollins, London, England. ISBN 0-00219972-6.
2. Measurement by Arthur de Vries, 2008
3. Measurement by Nardo Kaandorp, 2008

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

On the way to my first Woody Plant Conference at Swarthmore College last year, I was awe-struck by the Metasequoia Allée as I walked through it and ran my hands through the trees’ feathery needles. While doing so, flashbacks of my college botany class came to mind. I could remember my professor sharing the story of the discovery of this ancient species that was once thought to be extinct.

Developing cone of Metasequoia glyptostroboides. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Dating as far back as 65 million years, Metasequoia glyptostroboides is well-represented in Northern Hemisphere fossil collections; however, no living specimens were found until Chan Wang of China’s National Bureau of Forest Research at Chongqi came across it in Moudao, a valley of central China. Several years later, H. H. Hu, a Chinese botanist, made the connection between Metasequoia fossil records and Wang’s discovery. Excitement brewed throughout the world, and Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University conducted the first expedition to the discovery site to collect Metasequoia glyptostroboides seeds that were later dispersed internationally.

Metasequoia Allee on campus is a shady spot in the summer. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Today, you can find Metasequoia glyptostroboides growing in countless public gardens and arboreta around the world. And if you look at your surroundings as you walk or drive, you’ll be amazed by how many people are growing this “living fossil” in their own yards. These trees are easy to spot from afar due to their straight trunk and pyramidal stature.

Each fall, the needles of Metasequoia glyptostroboides will change from vibrant green to a brilliant bronze color before they are shed for the winter. photo credit: Scott Arboretum Archives

When you get closer, you’ll find that this coniferous (cone-bearing) species produces deciduous needles that are soft to the touch. Each fall, the needles of Metasequoia glyptostroboides will change from vibrant green to a brilliant bronze color before they are shed for the winter.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides is known for its pyramidal structure. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Since this species is fairly new to us, we are still learning more about Metasequoia glyptostroboides as we watch specimens grow. As I stated before, Metasequoia glyptostroboides is known for its pyramidal structure. However, we are beginning to find that some lose this characteristic silhouette, becoming more rounded as they age and spread. This is similar to what can be seen in older baldcypresses (Taxodium distichum), a species native to the US that is a deciduous conifer and belongs to the Cupressaceae or cypress family (just like Metasequoia glyptostroboides). I have also found that some websites indicate that Metasequoia glyptostroboides will reach a mature height of 70-100 feet tall.

Metasequoia Allee has shed the last of its needles this fall. photo credit: D. Mattis

However, we have been finding individuals, even under the age of 50 years old, that have exceeded this height already. Older specimens in China range from 115-130 feet, and some have reached 160 feet! Just like the height, the websites that state 15-25 feet for width are underestimating the mature spread of Metasequoia glyptostroboides. Ancient specimens, especially those that round as they age, have well exceeded this mark.

Metasequoia Glyptostroboides Bonsai

Delicate needles of Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Ogon'. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Considered a Gold Medal plant by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Metasequoia glyptostroboides has several characteristics that would make it an appealing addition to your garden. The leaves are truly unique, and I never get tired of running my fingers through the soft foliage. In the spring, the needles emerge as an electrifying lemon-lime color, which then mature to a vibrant, true-green shade.

The trunk forms deep grooves and has reddish bark that peels in strips. photo credit: C. Morrissey

The trunk forms deep grooves and has reddish bark that peels in strips. This adds a unique texture and interest, especially in the winter months after all the foliage has been shed.

The male cones are light brown and arranged in hanging clusters. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Because Metasequoia glyptostroboides is monecious, it bears both female and male cones on an individual plant. The male cones are light brown and arranged in hanging clusters, while the female cones are larger (1/2”-1”) and solitary with fused scales. They emerge light green and mature to a light brown in the fall.

Metasequoia Glyptostroboides Miss Grace

This planting of young Metasequoia glytostroboides 'Ogon' is located below the Wister Center. photo credit: C. Morrissey

There are several cultivars of Metasequoia glyptostroboides on the market, ranging from cultivars that play on foliage color to dwarf cultivars. For the lovers of chartreuse foliage, ‘Ogon’ is a great choice and examples can be seen on Parrish lawn and lining the gravel drive next to the Wister Center. Unlike some other plants with chartreuse leaves, this fantastic foliage color remains vibrant even through intense heat and sun exposure. In the fall, the needles turn deep gold before being shed for the winter. Through my research, I found conflicting information regarding the mature height; however, it seems this cultivar retained the fast growth rate of the straight species.

Looking into the canopy of Metasequoia glytostroboides. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably itching to grow one of these yourself. Seeds are easy to obtain and can be rather cheap. Since Metasequoia glyptostroboides has a fast growth rate, growing from seed is a great option. During spring or fall, just sprinkle the seeds over soil of an area that will receive full sun and has well-drained soil (Although not necessary, acidic soil is another condition that will allow it to thrive.).However, if you’re looking to expedite the process, you can find container, bare-root, and ball-and-burlap specimens at certain nurseries and garden centers. Purchasing online is always an option if you can’t find it at a local vendor.

An ideal spot for Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Ogon' with room to grow. photo credit: A. Bunting

Metasequoia Glyptostroboides North Light

Although my personal interest leans toward native habitat gardens, I know that I will have to find a place for Metasequoia glyptostroboides in my future yard, purely because this species is rich with historical and botanical interest!