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 (Taxodium distichum).
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F E A T U R E S |
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Form
-large specimen tree
-maturing at about 70' tall x 25' wide in the constructed landscape; taller in its native habitat
-upright pyramidal form as in many conifer trees (e.g. Picea), but can become more broad-rounded with age
-rather uniform, symmetrical habit that is best expressed in open areas; very similar in habit to Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
-medium to fast growth rate (apprx. 1.5' per year); may reach 50' in about 20 years |
Foliage
-deciduous, opposite arrangement (differs from Bald Cypress which is mostly alternate arrangement)
-flattened needles about 0.5" long x 0.1" wide
-bright green above and paler green below
-foliage emerges in mid- spring and provides a very feathery texture
-autumn color is brown and can be quite attractive before leaf drop |
Flowers
-trees are monoecious, male and female flowers (strobili) borne on the same plant; male flowers in panicle-like structures; female flowers solitary |
Fruit
-cones are rounded, about 1" thick, pendulous and long-stalked |
Twig
-opposite arrangement, brownish-red and lightly ridged
-large winter buds (when compared to Bald Cypress) |
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Trunk
-large, single trunk develops a broad base and tapers to the apex
-the bark is reddish-brown, exfoliating in thin, vertical strips
-the tree is described as having "armpits" because of an indentation at the base of each branch; this character distinguishes the species from Bald Cypress |
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C U L T
U R E
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Culture
-full sun to partial sun
-performs best in deep soils with good drainage but also with uniform moisture; tolerates wet soils as well and can be grown next to streams or ponds
-not particularly adaptable to alkaline soils, but can tolerate somewhat heavy soils
-propagated by seeds and rooted cuttings
-no major problems with diseases or pests, but occasional problems with canker may occur
-moderate to low availability in B&B form |
Hardiness
-zones 5 to 8
Origin
-native to the Western China
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U S A G E |
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Assets
-attractive, symmetrical form and fine texture
-does not need pruning for symmetrical form
-easy maintenance
Liabilities
-cold hardiness may be marginal in parts of zone 5; late season growth may be damaged by early frosts
-Japanese beetle may cause cosmetic damage
-intolerant of high pH soils |
Function
-specimen, focal point, screen, groupings
Texture
-medium-fine in foliage and fine when bare
-thick density in foliage and when bare |
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S E L
E C T I 0 N S |
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Varieties
and Cultivars
- Search
OSU PlantFacts for additional plants in this species
Alternates
-stately pyramidal trees of deciduous foliage (Alnus glutinosa, Liquidambar styraciflua, Oxydendrum arboreum, Taxodium distichum, etc.) or evergreen foliage (Abies concolor, Picea abies, Picea pungens, Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata', Tsuga canadensis, etc.)
-trees with fine texture, at least when in foliage (Gleditsia triacanthos, Quercus phellos, Salix babylonica, Taxodium distichum, etc.)
-other deciduous conifers (Larix, Pseudolarix, and Taxodium) |