Metasequoia glyptostroboides Seeds | Dawn Redwood
LATIN NAME: Metasequoia glyptostroboides
COMMON NAME: Dawn Redwood
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) stands out as a deciduous conifer in the cypress family, native to warm valleys of central China. In good conditions it grows to around Thirty-five metres. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
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 the research. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
Dawn Redwood works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, dawn redwood is a generous tree of the garden. Its small, round, pendulous cones feed seed-eating birds, and its fine, soft, feathery, bright-green crown gives a fine cover and a shelter to birds through the seasons. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
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. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
As a deciduous conifer, it settles into a routine quickly once established. Given the right start, Dawn Redwood is a long-term garden companion. After establishment, care settles into an easy routine.
Related Reading
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