Metasequoia glyptostroboides

E. Szechuan and w. Hueph: China

Pyramidal, straight trunk.

Full sun, moist, well-drained soil but can thrive in wetter areas.

Metasequoia glyptostryboides is a conical to pyramidal tree of up to 100 feet tall and a 25 foot spread. The bark of mature specimens is stunning reddish, brown, peeling in narrow strips, the trunk fluted and tapering towards the central leader. Base is elegantly buttressed. Foliage is oppositely arranged; leaves are linear, flattened, straight or slightly curved. Leaves are a pretty bright green in summer and a stunning red to orangish brown in fall. Cones are pendulous, on 3/4" stalks, globose or cylindrical, female cones solitary and dark brown. Well suited to areas with lots of space; golf courses, parks, or as a screen, grouping or for use in lining long drives or streets. Somewhat susceptible to freeze damage, even if hardy in Zone 4.

Light, bright green. Orange-red brown fall color

Reddish or yellow-brown, opposite or solitary, scaled, .25 inches long.

Reddish-brown, exfoliating in strips, buttresses at base. Deep indentations underneath the branches that attach to the trunk.

Monoecious reproductive structures; male structures are green panicles or racemes up to 12 inches long.

Stalked, drooping cones .75-1.25 inches long.

firm-wooded softwoods, June-August, 8000 ppm IBA talc or solution, mist. Rooting should approach 80% or greater. 4" long hardwood cuttings can also be used. Soak in chlorine water and fungicide, place in plasic bags for 30 days at 45 degrees F, 3000 ppm IBA dip, place in outdoor rooting beds with bottom heat, 90% rooting in 4 months.