It is not an exaggeration to state that its ornamental value has given the dawn redwood a new life. However, species exist in the UK that are well over 20 metres, with one specimen in Somerset is even reaching a height of over 30 metres. Since it was not introduced into Europe, until fairly recently, the dawn redwood has yet to reach these dazzling heights in this part of the world. In its native of China, the dawn redwood has proven its ability to reach a height of over 50 metres. Its fast growth also makes the dawn redwood an excellent plant for hedging purposes. The dawn redwood does not only grow very fast, but also very tall, which makes it an excellent solution if a sizeable tree is needed within a relatively small amount of time. It can be seen in parks and gardens worldwide. Since the tree was discovered – alive and well – in Lichuan, it has become a highly popular tree for ornamental purposes. Before the species was rediscovered in the middle of the last century, none of the dawn redwood fossils that have been discovered were any younger than 1.5 million years old. The dawn redwood is the only species of the metasequoia genus that is still alive to this day. In early spring, dawn redwood hedges produce small cones. As you can see, the fact that the dawn redwood sheds its needles is an asset rather than a disadvantage, as each season will highlight a different beautiful aspect of this species. The metasequoia also has a handsome, reddish brown bark, which greatly distinguishes the species from other, similar conifers. In the summer, its green leaves are easily mistaken for those of the common yew. This should not be considered a problem however, as the bright green, flat needles of the dawn redwood turn to a stunning orange-brown before falling off during the winter. The dawn redwood is also exceptional in that it is in fact deciduous rather than evergreen, which is a truly rare feature for a conifer. As a specimen tree, dawn redwoods can reach a height of over 50 metres, which makes it one of the tallest tree species on the planet, though the Giant Sequoia, a close relative, can grow even taller. Upon discovery, the ancient species was soon recognised for its garden merits and introduced to Europe as a hedging conifer. We now know that this species still occurs in the wild in its native China. It is an endangered species long thought to be entirely instinct, until it was discovered in an inaccessible mountain region in the Chinese county of Lichuan in the 1940s. The dawn redwood, also known by its botanical name metasequoia glyptostroboides, is a rather exceptional hedging plant for many different reasons.
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