Metasequoia glyptostroboides
dawn redwood
A vigorous, fast-growing conifer with fibrous, orange-brown bark, making a large, narrowly conical tree to 25m tall. Soft, bright green leaflets are held in two opposite ranks, giving the leaves a feathery appearance. Unusually for a conifer, this species is deciduous and the foliage takes on a tawny brown colour before dropping in autumn. An excellent specimen tree to grow where space is not an issue
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Gold Brown | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Metasequoia is a large deciduous tree with reddish-brown fibrous bark and soft, pale green linear leaves arranged in two ranks on the shoots, colouring beautifully in autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C. China (N.W. Hubei)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Will tolerate dry and chalky soils although growth will be slower. See conifer cultivation
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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