Metasequioa glyptostroboides - Dawn Redwood

  The sole living species of the genus Metasequoia! Considered an endangered species, native to Central/ Western China. Sometimes known as a ‘water fir.’ It is a large deciduous tree growing up to around 60m. In maturity it can form large buttresses on its lower trunk, its bark is normally quite deeply ridged and vertically fissured. Its trunk forms a distinctive ‘trunk’ under each branch. Its short, bright green, leaves (1-3cm) are set opposite each one another, turning reddish brown in the autumn. Species growing in hot regions produce small cones in early spring. These cones are set about in opposite pairs in four rows, each pair at right angles to the other. They mature around 8-9 months after pollination.

  The specimen I have pictured appears to be too large for its planting beds and will inevitably have to be removed. It is a large tree that needs a fair amount of space, so is not appropriate to be planted directly next to a busy pavement and car park.