J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2 • A R B O R D AY. O R G
Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
This is an impressive tree by any standard. Of special note is that fossils in northern parts of the United States show that the dawn redwood knew the dinosaurs. The tree was long thought to be extinct — until it was discovered alive and well in the 1940s in a rural, mountainous area of China. Now this “fossil tree” is planted throughout the world. It rewards growers not only with a unique landscape tree, but one that grows rapidly, has few insect or disease problems, and can tolerate urban air pollution.
LEAVES: Approximately ½ inch
long, flattened but often wavy or curved, and needle-like. Opposite on slender twigs. Reddish-brown autumn color. Both the “needles” and twigs drop before winter.
CONES: Oval or round structures
about ¾ to 1¾ inches long, hanging on stalks that are up to 1¾ inches long. They are brown and contain small seeds encircled with narrow wings.
FLOWERS: Both sexes are found on
the same tree and bloom in spring as leaves appear. They are rather small and inconspicuous. Males are light yellow-brown and hang along stalks up to 12 inches long. Females are borne singly and are yellow-green.
BARK: On mature trees, reddish
bark darkens into gray and becomes shallowly furrowed with some sections shedding in vertical strips.
FORM: A large tree at maturity,
reaching 100 or more feet in height with a distinctly pyramid-shaped crown that spreads up to 25 feet. The trunk is single and straight with upswept branches extending close to the ground unless pruned.
WILDLIFE VALUE: Provides winter cover for birds, small mammals, and deer.
To purchase or learn more about this tree and others,visit arborday.org/dawnredwood.
PLANTING: Suitable in hardiness
Scan to go directly to the dawn redwood in our online Tree Nursery.
zones 5–8 in spaces that are free of overhead wires. Prefers full sun and moist soil but will thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
RESTORING THE FORESTLANDS
OF NICARAGUA
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We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!
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