DAWN REDWOOD
Native: China
Scientific name: Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Family: cupressaceae
RARE LANDMARK SPECIMEN TREE
The origin of existing Dawn Redwood specimens growing today can be traced back to the original seeds from the Harvard Expedition, which were shipped in 1947.
A STATE CHAMPION TREE
Awarded by the State of Georgia and the Champion Tree Program as the Largest Dawn Redwood in the State of Georgia
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 it 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.