Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Posted August 28, 2014 15:07h in Plant of the Month0 Comments
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
- The strong pyramidal winter silhouette is also very attractive and older trees form wide buttresses on the lower trunk and form a distinctive 'armpit' under each branch. The bark is vertically fissured and tends to exfoliate in ribbon-like strips., making the Dawn Redwood a strong contender for year-round interest.
- More important than winter cold is the length of growing season, and the time of late spring freezes and early fall freezes. Melasequoia glyptostroboides was found in an area of a long growing season. It starts to grow early in the spring and frequently its growth is not fully matured until mid or late fall.
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
Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Hamlet’s Broom’ is a compact form of Dawn Redwood with creamy white variegated foliage in spring, changing to bright green in summer and becoming golden yellow to deep russet in fall before needle drop as winter approaches. Characteristic shaggy orange bark can be admired on this tree that has a size and growth rate amenable to today’s urban landscapes.
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.
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.
![Glyptostroboides Glyptostroboides](/uploads/1/3/7/5/137559771/144488844.jpg)
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.
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
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!
Dr. Dirr’s Tree Spotlight
September 18th, 2017
Metasequoia Glyptostroboides North Light
The species, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, was considered extinct until rediscovered in the 1940s in China and reintroduced via the efforts of the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Seeds and seedlings were distributed to many public gardens and universities with trees now over 100’. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, houses many of the original seedlings and introduced Shaw’s Legacy™ (‘Peter Raven’, notable because of the denser conical pyramidal habit and darker green needles. This is a large tree, easily 70’ by 30’ at maturity. It was planted in 1952. Considering the narrow gene base (diversity), many unique cultivars have resulted from the original introduction (see cultivars)
Habit is soft, feathery, conical pyramidal, the needles bright green, turning rusty orange to brown in autumn. The needle-bearing branches, oppositely arranged, abscise in toto in fall. The opposite arrangement permits easy separation from Taxodium distichum, common baldcypress, with alternate branches and buds.
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The bark is beautiful, rich reddish brown, slightly shedding in thin strips, the trunk with cavities under each branch attachment. Though deciduous, the unique branching and bark characteristics provide exquisite winter beauty. Tree bark glows rich saturated orange-red in the late afternoon winter sun.
Single specimens, grouping and groves inspire. Excellent tree along streams and in moist soil areas. Extremely tolerant of excess moisture and I observed trees in standing water. Years past, in Boskoop. Netherlands, I observed an entire street planted with Metasequoia. The species is surprisingly well suited to drier soils once established. Growth is fast, easily 2 to 3’ per year, for the first 10 years, if provided reasonable care. Trees are wind-firm and resistant to breakage. I have not observed chlorosis on the species; whereas, T. distichum, develops chlorosis on high ph soils. Hardness is listed at zone 5 to 8, which is reasonably accurate. I noted branch dieback on a tree at the University of Maine, Orono (zone 4).
If there is an Achilles heel to use in contemporary landscapes, it would center on size. Barbarian days a surfing life pdf. However, this is a great asset for parks, campuses, golf courses, and commercial grounds. New, smaller statured cultivars are available which counters the size argument.
The cones are similar to Sequoia sempervirens, ovoid, egg-shaped, ¾ to 11/4” long, with 14 to 28 scales, maturing in autumn and opening to shed the small, light brown, winged seeds. I have collected cones as they open, harvested seeds, stratified for 30 days, with excellent germination. Seedlings will grow 6’ high in a 3-gallon container in a single season (zone 8). Cuttings can also be rooted to perpetuate desirable traits.
Cultivars of some note which are available in commerce are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list.
Amberglow™ (Wah-08AG’) is a seedling of ‘Ogon’ with orangish yellow emerging needles, maturing yellow. The habit is dense, compact with estimated size, 15’ by 7 to 8’. I am impressed with the needle color and smaller stature, making it a realistic choice for contemporary gardens.
Jade Prince™ (‘JFS-PN3Legacy’) has cleaner, brighter green foliage than the species. Habit is quite dense in youth, upright-pyramidal in habit, fast growing and shapes up cleanly in the nursery; 70 to 80’ high, 20 to 25’ wide.
![Grace Grace](/uploads/1/3/7/5/137559771/207231393.jpg)
Metasequoia Glyptostroboides Winter Blue
‘Jack Frost’, ‘Snow Flurry’, ‘White Spot’, and ‘White Tips’ offer green foliage marked/streaked to various degrees with white. Color is lost as needles mature. Pretty when first emerging. Have only observed small trees but estimates to 60’ high and 20’ wide are given.
‘Ogon (‘Gold Rush’) has bright yellow needles, the color retained in the north, zone 5 to 6; reduced in zone 7 to 8. For a yellow foliage tree, growth is quite rapid, with landscape maturity between 30 and 40’. A plant in the Dirr garden is potent until the dog days of July and August, when needles will photo-bleach (become whitish). If kept evenly moist, color is partially retained.
‘Urban Spire’ (PPAF) is a new broad-columnar, feathery needled selection, estimated to reach 18 to 20 ‘ high, 8 to 11’ wide .
Metasequoia Glyptostroboides Winterhart
See www.plantsnouveau.com for more information.