DAWN REDWOOD

Native: China

Family: cupressaceae

RARE LANDMARK SPECIMEN TREE

The origin of existing Dawn Redwood specimens trees growing today can be traced back to the original shipment of seed from the Harvard Expedition 1947.

In 1947 Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum sent another expedition to China to collect seed from these newly discovered redwoods. Despite a government ban, scientists accompanied by armed guards collected four pounds of seed and sent them to Boston. By 1948 this seed was being distributed to botanic gardens and universities across the world, most certainly saving the Dawn Redwood from extinction.

Dawn Redwood, from orginal Harvard 1948 exposition seed in the Arnold Arboretum

Dawn Redwood Fossil

Buttress Roots: As the tree matures, it develops prominent, buttress-like root flares that extend several feet up the trunk, especially in older specimens. These flaring roots provide stability and contribute to its "fairy tale tree" or "prehistoric" appearance.

Needles are soft and feathery

Needles are in an opposite arrangment on the stem and on the branch.

Dawn redwood cones are small, round to oval structures that grow on the tree in pairs. They are typically between (1.5 to 1 inch) in diameter.

The oldest and largest dawn redwoods outside of China are located at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. These trees were planted in 1948 from seeds collected during an expedition funded by the Arboretum. The dawn redwoods grown at the Arboretum were among the first to be planted in North America after being thought extinct for millions of years.