Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

Physical Description

The Dawn Redwood is a deciduous conifer that can reach heights of up to 200 feet (60 meters). Its feathery, needle-like leaves turn a striking reddish-brown color in the fall before dropping. The tree has a broad, pyramidal shape with a trunk that is generally straight and has a reddish-brown bark that peels in thin strips.

Environmental Concerns

The Dawn Redwood is generally not considered endangered, thanks to successful cultivation and reforestation efforts. However, it can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and drought. In its native habitat in China, it faces threats from habitat destruction and logging, although it is more stable in cultivation.

Other Information

This tree was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in China in the 1940s. It is often planted in parks and large gardens due to its attractive foliage and fast growth. It is a popular subject for study because of its ancient lineage, dating back to the Mesozoic era.


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