Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)
Of the Taxodium family - Taxodiaceae
Native Habitat: Native of eastern Szechuan and western Hupeh, China.
Leaves: Deciduous, opposite, linear, straight or slightly curved, 1/2″ long. Bright green with a narrowly grooved mid-vein.
Size: 70 to 100’ in North America but may reach 120’ in height.
Bark: Reddish brown when young, becoming darker, fissured and exfoliating in long narrow strips.
Buds: Opposite, in pairs, and about 1/4″ long, with scales light reddish or yellowish brown, appearing stalked.
Preferred Soils: Maximal growing potential in moist, deep, well-drained soil and does not adapt well to chalky soils. Prefers acidic soils and partial and full sun.
Design Value: This pyramidal tree is a glorious landmark in any large-scale setting. It is not drought-tolerant at all, particularly when young. Easy to care for, Dawn Redwood has been found to be very tolerant of urban pollution. It seems to thrive best in almost rainforest conditions, which the high humidity in much of the U.S. makes it tolerable. This part of the world was once its home, and you will find it quite adaptable to nearly any condition except dry soil.
Hardiness Zone(s): 5 to 8.
(Source: Dirr, Manual of Woody Plants on Reserve, in Del Tredeci, Wild Urban Plants of the Northeast, A Field Guide on Reserve)
