Metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood

Large petrified trunks and stumps of the extinct Metasequoia occidentalis (sometimes identified as Sequoia occidentalis) also make up the major portion of Tertiary fossil plant material in the badlands of western North Dakota. It is also hypothesized that the change from evergreen to deciduous trait occurred before colonizing the high latitudes and was the reason Metasequoia was dominant in the north. During three months in the summer, the sun would shine continuously, while three months of the winter would be complete darkness. Given that the high latitudes in this period were warm and tropical, it is hypothesized that the deciduous trait evolved in response to the unusual light availability patterns, not to major seasonal variations in temperature. Metasequoia was likely deciduous by this time. During the Paleocene and Eocene, extensive forests of Metasequoia occurred as far north as Strathcona Fiord on Ellesmere Island and sites on Axel Heiberg Island (northern Canada) at around 80В°В N latitude. Fossils are known from the Cenomanian onwards. Metasequoia redwood fossils are known from many areas in the Northern Hemisphere more than 20 fossil species have been named (some were even identified as the genus Sequoia), but are considered as just three species, M.В foxii, M.В milleri, and M.В occidentalis. 4 Metasequoia in gardens, parks and streets.Sequoioideae and several other genera have been transferred from the former family Taxodiaceae to Cupressaceae based on DNA analysis. M.В glyptostroboides is the only living species in its genus, but three fossil species are known. Together with Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood) and Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia) of California, Metasequoia is classified in the Cupressaceae subfamily Sequoioideae.

Since its rediscovery in 1944, the dawn redwood has become a popular ornamental, with examples found in various parks in a variety of countries. Local villagers refer to the original tree from which most others derive as ShuЗђshДЃn (ж°ґжќ‰пј‰, or 'water fir', which is part of a local shrine. Although the shortest of the redwoods, it grows to at least 165 feet (50 meters) in height. The living species Metasequoia glyptostroboides is native to Lichuan county in Hubei province, China.

Planting considerations:В Plant early enough in the fall to allow the roots to become established and avoid planting in a low areas prone to frost.Metasequoia, or dawn redwoods, is a genus of fast-growing deciduous trees, one of three species of conifers known as redwoods.

Soil: While it is found naturally in wet conditions, it can grow in versatile soil conditions and has tolerance to both flood and drought.

Cones: ВЅвЂ™вЂ™-1вЂќ long ovoid cones, similar to a sequoia.

Older trees may form buttresses at the base.

Bark: Reddish-brown bark that darkens with age.

Leaves: Bright green feathery leaves that turn copper in the fall.

Canopy: Pyramidal shape, one strong leader.

Dimensions: The shortest of the redwoods, it is a fast growing tree that grows to 70вЂ™вЂ“100вЂІ tall with a 25вЂІ spread.

However, the trees were widely distributed during the Mesozoic era and are known today to also be suited for colder climates and dry conditions based on recent research. The forested floodplains and swamps support the trees with their ability to tolerate soggy soils. These same conditions support rice cultivation and the forest type is comparable to the bald cypress forests of the southeastern United States. In its natural habitat in China, the dawn redwood is known as вЂњwater firвЂњor вЂњwater pineвЂќ because it is found in low-lying areas near rivers and streams. In urban environments, the trees need ample room to grow and are best suited for parks, rain gardens, or college and corporate campuses. Collected and distributed by arboreta across the country, the progeny can now be found on city blocks from New York City to Olympia, WA. Although the dawn redwood is still protected in its natural habitat, the tree has been able to overcome its limited distribution in the river valleys of south-central China with the help of scientists. You no longer have to travel through the mountains of China to see one of the worldвЂ™s living fossils.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood