Metasequoia glyptostroboides Seeds | Dawn Redwood
LATIN NAME: Metasequoia glyptostroboides
COMMON NAME: Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia
Plant Profile
Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a tall, deciduous conifer in the cypress family, native to a small area of warm woodlands of central China. Established plants reach around Forty metres. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the cypress family, Metasequoia glyptostroboides draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Dawn redwood has a real and distinguished place in research. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Dawn Redwood has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Dawn redwood is a tall, deciduous conifer of warm woodlands, bearing soft, feathery, bright-green leaves which turn to warm russet in autumn before they fall. Its cones provide a food for birds and small animals, and its tall, straight trunk gives a fine presence in large garden and park, while its fast growth makes it a valuable tree for landscape and the conservation. To raise dawn redwood, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little trees on in the sun. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Dawn redwood is the celebrated living fossil rediscovered in China in 1941; it is a fast, beautiful conifer for parks, with no medicinal record.
Growing from Seed
Starting Dawn Redwood from seed is simple and satisfying. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. A cool, moist period before sowing helps the seeds wake evenly — a few weeks in damp medium in the refrigerator is the usual approach. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia settles in quickly once it finds its footing. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Dawn Redwood often pair it with these related subjects: