A tree that takes you back 66 million years

This Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a fantastic specimen plant (individual plants that stand out in the landscape). It acts as a focal point and its unique shape helps it stand out. Typically Dawn Redwoods have a pyramidal shape but this one had its central leader (main trunk) likely damaged in a storm. Still it remains a worthy specimen. Dawn Redwoods grow in zones 5-8, prefer full sun, and moist soil that is strongly acidic (4.5 to 5.5 pH).

The Dawn Redwood has a lineage that dates back to the late cretaceous period (66 million years ago+), and just looking at it gives you a sense of what the landscape must have looked like back then. In the late fall, this deciduous tree loses its leaves, but its mystical shape really stands out.

Dawn Redwood
Dawn Redwood in winter without leaves
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