Metasequoia glyptostroboides - Dawn Redwood (Taxodiaceae) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a large, deciduous Trunk conifer with distinct conical form, fast growth rate, -large, single trunk develops a broad base and tapers and fairly broad adaptability. Dawn Redwood is less to the apex tolerant of adverse conditions than its similar relative, -the bark is reddish-brown, exfoliating in thin, Bald Cypress. vertical strips -the tree is described as having "armpits" because of FEATURES an indentation at the base of each branch; this Form character distinguishes the species from Bald Cypress -large specimen tree -maturing at about 70’ tall x 25’ wide in USAGE the constructed landscape; taller in its Function native habitat -specimen, focal point, screen , groupings -upright pyramidal form as in many Texture conifer trees (e.g. Picea), but can -medium-fine in foliage and fine when bare become more broad-rounded with age. -thick density in foliage and when bare -rather uniform, symmetrical habit that Assets is best expressed in open areas. Very -attractive, symmetrical form and fine texture similar in habit to Bald Cypress -does not need pruning for symmetrical form (Taxodium distichum) -easy maintenance -medium to fast growth rate (ca. 1.5' per year); may Liabilities reach 50' in about 20 years. -cold hardiness may be marginal in parts of zone 5; Culture late season growth may be damaged by early frosts -full sun to partial sun -Japanese beetle may cause cosmetic damage -performs best in deep soils with good drainage but -intolerant of high pH soils also with uniform moisture; tolerates wet soils as Habitat well and can be grown next to streams or ponds. It is -Zones 5 to 8 not particularly adaptable to alkaline soils, but can -Native to the Western China tolerate somewhat heavy soils. -propagated by seeds and rooted cuttings SELECTIONS -no major problems with diseases or pests, but Alternates occasional problems with canker may occur -stately pyramidal trees of deciduous foliage (Alnus -moderate to low availability in B&B form glutinosa, Liquidambar styraciflua, Oxydendrum Foliage arboreum, Taxodium distichum, etc.) or evergreen -deciduous, opposite arrangement (differs from Bald foliage (Abies concolor, Picea abies, Picea pungens, Cypress which is mostly Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata', Tsuga canadensis, etc.) alternate arrangement) -trees with fine texture, at least when in foliage -flattened needles about (Gleditsia triacanthos, Quercus phellos, Salix 0.5" long x 0.1" wide babylonica, Taxodium distichum, etc.) -bright green above and -other deciduous conifers (Larix, Pseudolarix and paler green below Taxodium) -foliage emerges in mid- Cultivars – Variants - Related Species spring and provides a -Metasequoida glyptostroboides 'National' - a narrow very feathery texture conical form selected at the U.S. National Arboretum -autumn color is brown in Washington, DC and can be quite -Metasequoida glyptostroboides 'Sheridan Spire' a attractive before leaf narrower and more compact form than the species; drop selected by Sheridan Nurseries Flowers/Strobili -trees are monoecious, male and female flowers Special Note: The Dawn Redwood is famous as the borne on the same plant; male flowers in panicle-like "fossil tree" that was rediscovered in China in the structures; female flowers solitary 1940's. It was though to have been extinct, but it Fruits/Cones actually survived in an isolated mountainous region. -cones are rounded, about 1" thick, In 1948 seed from one tree was sent to the Arnold pendulous and long-stalked Arboretum which, in turn, distributed to arboreta Twigs across the U.S. In the 1980's and 1990's additional -opposite arrangement, brownish-red and lightly seeds were obtained from different trees in China and ridged it is likely that new selections will be developed from -large winter buds (when compared to Bald Cypress) these seed lots..