Record details

Common tree name

Dawn Redwood

Species Name

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Description

This tall tree looks like an evergreen conifer but is deciduous, its leaves turning a lovely yellow orange in autumn before they fall. It was thought to be extinct until the 1940s! It is very similar to the Swamp Cypress, further along the left-hand side of the lake in Jephson Gardens. The difference is its leaves are opposite each other on the stem, but the Swamp Cypress has alternate leaves. This is one of several ‘fossil trees’ in the gardens. They are species of great age and were around at the time of the dinosaurs (Mesozoic Era, the ‘age of the reptiles’).

Country of origin

Hubei/Sichuan, China

Credits

The 'Trees at Jephson's project' has been delivered by Warwick District Council. With the kind sponsorship of Leamington Town Council and the Leamington Society.