Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Emerald Feathers'
ABOUT
The plant known as "Emerald Feathers" has a distinct appearance characterized by its fine, feathery foliage. The leaves display a bright, fresh green color that can add a lush, vibrant look to any landscape. During the spring and summer, it carries this verdant hue before transitioning into an array of autumnal colors as the seasons change, exhibiting a captivating mixture of golds, coppers, and reds. This deciduous conifer has a pyramidal form with a tendency to produce a straight central trunk from which numerous side branches extend, forming a sweeping, conical shape. The texture of its foliage is quite soft, which sets it apart from many other conifers, and it produces small, rounded cones that add to its ornamental appeal. The "Emerald Feathers" has a fine, lace-like quality to its foliage, with leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along the twigs and branches. This arrangement gives it a dense, fern-like appearance, creating a gentle and feathery visual effect that is soothing to the eye. Despite the gentle appearance, it is a hardy plant capable of adapting to a wide range of conditions, which makes it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers looking for both beauty and resilience in a plant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dawn Redwood, Water Pine, Shui-shan
Common names
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
ToxicityTo humans
Dawn Redwood is typically not known to be toxic to humans. There are no reported cases of serious poisoning or allergic reactions after ingesting or handling parts of this tree. As with many plant species, some individuals may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction when handling or coming into contact with the foliage or sap due to individual sensitivities. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating parts of ornamental plants because of the potential for unknown toxins and the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Dawn Redwood is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. There is no documented evidence suggesting that this species, also recognized scientifically as Metasequoia glyptostroboides, poses any significant poisonous risk to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. However, as with any non-food plant, the ingestion of large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the plant material's physical properties rather than its chemical toxicity. If your pet has consumed a part of this plant and exhibits adverse symptoms, it is wise to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
70 feet (21.34 meters)
Spread
25 feet (7.62 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds visual interest to landscapes with its feathery, lush green foliage and pyramidal shape.
- Shade Provider: Grows to a large size, offering ample shade in gardens and parks.
- Seasonal Interest: Features bright green foliage in spring and summer that turns to coppery-bronze in fall, providing year-round interest.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Carbon Sequestration: As a rapidly growing tree, it absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, as well as food sources for various wildlife.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has a degree of tolerance to dry conditions, reducing the need for irrigation.
- Urban Tolerant: Can thrive in urban settings due to its adaptability to various soil conditions and pollution.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for both professional landscaping and casual gardeners.
- Fast Growth: Has a quick growth rate, allowing for rapid establishment and landscape impact.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dawn Redwood 'Emerald Feathers' can be used in model-making for replicating realistic miniature trees due to their fine, feathery foliage and conical shape.
- The wood from the Metasequoia is valuable for woodworking and carpentry, suitable for crafting furniture or decorative objects.
- Its fibrous bark can be used for making paper or as a natural fabric dye when processed correctly.
- Due to its fast growth and adaptability, Dawn Redwoods can be utilized in reforestation efforts to help restore degraded lands.
- The sawdust from Dawn Redwood has been used as mulch in gardens to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- The tree can be employed in educational settings to teach about paleobotany and conservation, as it is a living fossil.
- In bonsai, the Metasequoia is a popular choice for creating an ancient-looking miniature landscape scene.
- The groves of Dawn Redwoods can provide an aesthetic backdrop for photography sessions and filmmaking due to their majestic appearance.
- They can be used as noise barriers when planted in rows along highways or around neighborhoods.
- These trees are also planted in parks for arboreal therapy practices due to their calming presence and beauty.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dawn Redwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dawn Redwood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly known as Dawn Redwood, is a deciduous conifer, meaning it sheds and regrows its leaves annually. This natural cycle resonates with the theme of renewal and the idea of fresh starts.
- Endurance: Dawn Redwoods are known for their longevity and robust nature, often symbolizing the ability to withstand the test of time and endure challenges.
- Resilience: Once thought to be extinct and then rediscovered alive, the Dawn Redwood represents resilience and the capacity to survive against the odds.
- Transformation: Because the Dawn Redwood changes drastically through the seasons, it is often seen as a symbol of transformation and adaptability.
WaterThe Dawn Redwood should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the tree deeply once a week by applying approximately 10 gallons for young trees, increasing the amount as the tree grows. During the growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if you're experiencing dry or hot weather. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the tree's growth slows down. It's essential to adjust the watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature changes.
LightDawn Redwoods thrive in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this tree is an open area away from buildings or other trees that could cast shade on it. They can tolerate some partial shade, but their growth is optimal in a sunny location.
TemperatureDawn Redwoods are hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range. They can survive minimum temperatures down to -20°F and are comfortable in the typical summer temperatures of most temperate climates. The ideal temperature for growth is between 60°F and 80°F. They are adaptable to different weather conditions but perform best in moderate climates.
PruningPruning the Dawn Redwood is important to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. It's typically enough to prune the tree once a year during this period. Remove any branches that are crossing, rubbing together, or growing inward to create a strong, well-spaced framework.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dawn Redwood prefers moist, well-draining soil with an acidic to neutral pH between 5.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat, and sand or perlite would create an ideal environment for its roots to thrive, ensuring proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingDawn Redwoods growing in containers should be repotted every two to three years to prevent root crowding. Timing can vary slightly depending on growth rate and pot size, but these trees prefer consistent space to expand their root systems.
Humidity & MistingDawn Redwoods are adaptable but favor consistent moisture in the air. They can thrive in average outdoor humidity levels, preferring conditions similar to their natural habitat which range between 40% to 60% humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dawn Redwood in bright space, water deeply but infrequently.
Outdoor
Plant in moist soil, full sun, allow room for growth.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDawn Redwood 'Emerald Feathers' begins its life as a seed, which, once germinated, grows into a small sapling with a straight trunk and feathery foliage. As the sapling matures, it develops a pyramidal shape, becoming a prominent deciduous conifer with bright green, needle-like leaves that turn to a coppery-brown before shedding in the fall. The tree continues to grow, reaching significant heights and developing a thick, fibrous, reddish-brown bark. At sexual maturity, Dawn Redwood produces cones—male pollen cones and female seed cones—that facilitate cross-pollination with the help of the wind. Upon fertilization, the female cones produce seeds that, when dispersed, can grow into new trees, thus continuing the cycle. As Dawn Redwood is a relatively long-lived species, this cycle can continue for a significant amount of time, with the tree living for hundreds of years under suitable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Dawn Redwood, scientifically known as Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Emerald Feathers', is through seeding. Propagation by seed usually begins with the collection of mature cones in the fall, which are then dried to facilitate the release of seeds. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy; this involves keeping the seeds in moist sand or peat moss within a fridge at 33.8 to 41°F (1 to 5°C) for about 60 to 90 days. After stratification, the seeds are sown in a well-draining seed starting mix, lightly covered, and kept consistently moist. Germination occurs within a few weeks, and once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transferred to individual pots to grow on before eventual planting in their permanent location.
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