Dawn Redwood - Metasequoia

That we still have Metasequoia Trees is remarkable. It was only known in fossils for many years, then in 1941 a tree was found in Central China. A similar story to the more recent discovery of the Wollemi Pine.

Fortunately the population of Metasequoia has steadily increased. In part because it can be easily propagated, either from cuttings or seed. It is also very fast growing. It is also a favourite for bonsai because of its heritage and beauty.

Metasequoia is one of the few deciduous conifers along with larch, unlike the other sequoias. But they all have an unusual feature in common. Their bark is thick and spongy so you can punch any large sequoia as hard as you like without hurting your fist. It’s maximum height is not known but in excess of 50 meters has been achieved.

I obtained two cutting cuttings over 50 years ago and one of them has grown into a beautiful tree pictured above. I find growing them from seed is easier as my tree is about 50 feet tall now and the best cuttings come from the top. Although it has been producing cones for the last few years.

We sell Dawn Redwoods as tree seedlings.

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