METASEQUOIA NORTH LIGHT FULL

The trees are well known from late Cretaceous to Miocene strata, but no fossils are known after that. Large petrified trunks and stumps of the extinct Metasequoia occidentalis (sometimes identified as Sequoia occidentalis) also make up the major portion of Tertiary fossil plant material in the badlands of western North Dakota. It is also hypothesized that the change from evergreen to deciduous trait occurred before colonizing the high latitudes and was the reason Metasequoia was dominant in the north. During three months in the summer, the sun would shine continuously, while three months of the winter would be complete darkness. Given that the high latitudes in this period were warm and tropical, it is hypothesized that the deciduous trait evolved in response to the unusual light availability patterns, not to major seasonal variations in temperature. Metasequoia was likely deciduous by this time. During the Paleocene and Eocene, extensive forests of Metasequoia occurred as far north as Strathcona Fiord on Ellesmere Island and sites on Axel Heiberg Island (northern Canada) at around 80° N latitude. Fossils are known from the Cenomanian onwards. Metasequoia redwood fossils are known from many areas in the Northern Hemisphere more than 20 fossil species have been named (some were even identified as the genus Sequoia), but are considered as just three species, M. foxii, M. milleri, and M. occidentalis. 4 Metasequoia in gardens, parks and streets.Sequoioideae and several other genera have been transferred from the former family Taxodiaceae to Cupressaceae based on DNA analysis. M. glyptostroboides is the only living species in its genus, but three fossil species are known. Together with Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood) and Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia) of California, Metasequoia is classified in the Cupressaceae subfamily Sequoioideae. Since its rediscovery in 1944, the dawn redwood has become a popular ornamental, with examples found in various parks in a variety of countries. Local villagers refer to the original tree from which most others derive as Shuǐshān (水杉）, or 'water fir', which is part of a local shrine. Although the shortest of the redwoods, it grows to at least 165 feet (50 meters) in height. The living species Metasequoia glyptostroboides is native to Lichuan county in Hubei province, China. Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Schirrmann's Nordlicht' was one of three plants selected in 2015 for inclusion into the ACS Collectors' Conifer of the Year Program.Metasequoia, or dawn redwoods, is a genus of fast-growing deciduous trees, one of three species of conifers known as redwoods. This practice is in conflict with the proper rules of nomenclature and should not be tolerated in the trade.

In the U.S., 'Schirrmann's Nordlicht' is often seen marketed under the name North Lights, which is a translation of the original German name. glyptostroboides 'White Spot' sometime prior to 2005. Its ortet is a witch's broom mutation found by Schirrmann on a specimen of M. Winfried Schirrmann of Schacht-Audorf, Germany is credited with the origin and introduction of this cultivar. However, since this this is a relatively new cultivar in the nursery trade, long-term performance is not yet known. Left on its own it will assume a more conical shape. This cultivar responds quite well to pruning and shearing so it will prove to be little problem to keep within bounds. Typical rate of growth in most areas in 4 to 6 inches (10 - 15 cm) per year, resulting in a globose specimen, 5 to 6 feet (1.5 - 1.8 m) tall and 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) wide after 10 years in the garden. In spite of it all, the waxy, fine, ferny foliage makes for quite the impression in the garden. As winter approaches, the foliage will turn a nice russet brown before being shed.

METASEQUOIA NORTH LIGHT FULL

In settings with full sun, yellow hues will dominate, while is a shadier area, the variegation will be creamier. Its lush, deciduous foliage is variegated and variable depending on sun exposure. Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Schirrmann's Nordlicht' is a dwarf selection of dawn redwood with bright, cheery colorful foliage on a small scale.

Additions to the International Conifer Register.

Metasequoia north light