Imagine someone turning up with a living Tyrannosaurus Rex. Peter Valder discussed how this has happened more than once during the last century. The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) was known through its fossils to have existed up to 225 million years ago but was thought to be extinct. In 1942 some people stumbled upon a grove of plants growing on the banks of a river in Western China. Within several years of discovery, seeds were collected and distributed to botanic gardens throughout the world. Because the plant came from before the dawn of history (like Australia’s Wollemi Pine Wollemi nobilis) it was called Dawn Redwood.
The Dawn Redwood is a conifer, but, unlike most conifers is deciduous and in autumn the little branchlets turn a soft orange brown and fall off. It remains leafless throughout the winter until the spring when it grows a new crop of leaves. It is actually a most attractive tree and if you feel like growing something prehistoric in your garden this would be a good thing to try.
Plant Details
Common Name: Dawn Redwood
Botanical name : Metasequoia glyptostroboides.
Best Climate: Will grow as far north as Brisbane but prefers cooler southern parts and mountain climates of Australia.
Good Points:
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fast growing, reaching 20-40m (70 – 130′) in height and 5m (15′) or more in width
- deciduous
- pyramidal form ideally suited as a specimen tree
- fine ferny green foliage in summer
- tawny pink and old gold leaves in autumn before falling
Downside:
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looks dead in winter
Uses:
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beautiful specimen tree for large gardens, parks and golf courses in cooler climates
Likes:
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rich, deep moisture-holding soils
- plenty of water in summer
Availability
Dawn Redwood is available from nurseries in its best climate area except in WA. Prices start at $12.50 for a 12cm (5″) pot to $90 for a 35 litre bag. It is also available through mail order from Woodbank Nursery, 2040 Huon Road Longley, TAS, 7150. Phone/fax: (03) 6239 6452.
