Dawn Redwood Native

Botanical Name: Metasequoia glyptosroboides

Common Name: Dawn Redwood

SW China, this species was only recorded in the wild In 1941 and introduced to Britain in 1948. This species is one of the few deciduous (leaves fall in autumn) conifers.
Commonly known as dawn redwood, has a fascinating story of discovery and reintroduction. Here's an overview:

Origins
  • Metasequoia glyptostroboides is native to China, where it was known from fossil records but was thought to be extinct as a living species.
  • It was originally identified from fossils dating back to the Mesozoic era, and living specimens were unknown to scientists for a long time.
Rediscovery
  • In 1941, living Metasequoia trees were discovered in a remote area of Hubei province, China, by a Chinese forester named Wang Zhan.
  • The discovery of living trees matched the fossils, leading to the realization that Metasequoia had survived in isolated areas of China.
Introduction to the West
  • Following World War II, seeds of Metasequoia glyptostroboides were collected and brought to the United States and other parts of the world.
  • Botanists and horticulturists were involved in efforts to introduce the tree to cultivation.
Cultural Significance
  • The dawn redwood gained popularity as a horticultural specimen due to its unique characteristics, including deciduous coniferous foliage.
  • It was planted in botanical gardens and arboreta around the world, contributing to its conservation and public awareness.
Conservation Status
  • While the species is no longer considered extinct, Metasequoia glyptostroboides is listed as endangered in its native habitat due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

The story of Metasequoia glyptostroboides involves a remarkable rediscovery, showcasing how a once thought-to-be-extinct species can captivate the interest of scientists, horticulturists, and conservationists worldwide.

Map

Please see the map below for tree locations and routes around the park. Click to enlarge the map. 

Map of Trees

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