Developing cone of Metasequoia glyptostroboides. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Dating as far back as 65 million years, Metasequoia glyptostroboides is well-represented in Northern Hemisphere fossil collections; however, no living specimens were found until Chan Wang of China’s National Bureau of Forest Research at Chongqi came across it in Moudao, a valley of central China. Several years later, H. H. Hu, a Chinese botanist, made the connection between Metasequoia fossil records and Wang’s discovery. Excitement brewed throughout the world, and Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University conducted the first expedition to the discovery site to collect Metasequoia glyptostroboides seeds that were later dispersed internationally.

Metasequoia Allee on campus is a shady spot in the summer. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Today, you can find Metasequoia glyptostroboides growing in countless public gardens and arboreta around the world. And if you look at your surroundings as you walk or drive, you’ll be amazed by how many people are growing this “living fossil” in their own yards. These trees are easy to spot from afar due to their straight trunk and pyramidal stature.

Each fall, the needles of Metasequoia glyptostroboides will change from vibrant green to a brilliant bronze color before they are shed for the winter. photo credit: Scott Arboretum Archives

When you get closer, you’ll find that this coniferous (cone-bearing) species produces deciduous needles that are soft to the touch. Each fall, the needles of Metasequoia glyptostroboides will change from vibrant green to a brilliant bronze color before they are shed for the winter.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides is known for its pyramidal structure. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Since this species is fairly new to us, we are still learning more about Metasequoia glyptostroboides as we watch specimens grow. As I stated before, Metasequoia glyptostroboides is known for its pyramidal structure. However, we are beginning to find that some lose this characteristic silhouette, becoming more rounded as they age and spread. This is similar to what can be seen in older baldcypresses (Taxodium distichum), a species native to the US that is a deciduous conifer and belongs to the Cupressaceae or cypress family (just like Metasequoia glyptostroboides). I have also found that some websites indicate that Metasequoia glyptostroboides will reach a mature height of 70-100 feet tall.

Metasequoia Allee has shed the last of its needles this fall. photo credit: D. Mattis

However, we have been finding individuals, even under the age of 50 years old, that have exceeded this height already. Older specimens in China range from 115-130 feet, and some have reached 160 feet! Just like the height, the websites that state 15-25 feet for width are underestimating the mature spread of Metasequoia glyptostroboides. Ancient specimens, especially those that round as they age, have well exceeded this mark.

Delicate needles of Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Ogon'. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Considered a Gold Medal plant by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Metasequoia glyptostroboides has several characteristics that would make it an appealing addition to your garden. The leaves are truly unique, and I never get tired of running my fingers through the soft foliage. In the spring, the needles emerge as an electrifying lemon-lime color, which then mature to a vibrant, true-green shade.

The trunk forms deep grooves and has reddish bark that peels in strips. photo credit: C. Morrissey

The trunk forms deep grooves and has reddish bark that peels in strips. This adds a unique texture and interest, especially in the winter months after all the foliage has been shed.

The male cones are light brown and arranged in hanging clusters. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Because Metasequoia glyptostroboides is monecious, it bears both female and male cones on an individual plant. The male cones are light brown and arranged in hanging clusters, while the female cones are larger (1/2”-1”) and solitary with fused scales. They emerge light green and mature to a light brown in the fall.

This planting of young Metasequoia glytostroboides 'Ogon' is located below the Wister Center. photo credit: C. Morrissey

There are several cultivars of Metasequoia glyptostroboides on the market, ranging from cultivars that play on foliage color to dwarf cultivars. For the lovers of chartreuse foliage, ‘Ogon’ is a great choice and examples can be seen on Parrish lawn and lining the gravel drive next to the Wister Center. Unlike some other plants with chartreuse leaves, this fantastic foliage color remains vibrant even through intense heat and sun exposure. In the fall, the needles turn deep gold before being shed for the winter. Through my research, I found conflicting information regarding the mature height; however, it seems this cultivar retained the fast growth rate of the straight species.

Looking into the canopy of Metasequoia glytostroboides. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably itching to grow one of these yourself. Seeds are easy to obtain and can be rather cheap. Since Metasequoia glyptostroboides has a fast growth rate, growing from seed is a great option. During spring or fall, just sprinkle the seeds over soil of an area that will receive full sun and has well-drained soil (Although not necessary, acidic soil is another condition that will allow it to thrive.).However, if you’re looking to expedite the process, you can find container, bare-root, and ball-and-burlap specimens at certain nurseries and garden centers. Purchasing online is always an option if you can’t find it at a local vendor.

An ideal spot for Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Ogon' with room to grow. photo credit: A. Bunting

Although my personal interest leans toward native habitat gardens, I know that I will have to find a place for Metasequoia glyptostroboides in my future yard, purely because this species is rich with historical and botanical interest!

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After noticing this gem behind the Cunningham House in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden, I decided to go with a theme for this Plant of the Week post—little surprises. Although small, the colors and details of this toad lily are absolutely fantastic! Like a watercolor painting, splashes and stipples of cobalt blue and lavender bring color to the delicate, white petals. The vibrant yellow carpel and stamen with deep red stipples provide a nice contrast to the cool-hued petals. This quiet beauty is native to the rocky slopes of Taiwan, but Tricyrtis lasiocarpa will thrive and subtly accent the sunny spots of your home garden as they flower from mid-summer all the way to early autumn! photo credit: C. Morrissey

Emilia javanica ‘Irish Poet’

Although small and simple, Emilia javanica ‘Irish Poet’ can make quite a statement when planted in masses, as seen in the Scott Entrance Garden. The neon orange tassels speckle the garden, complementing the warm hues of the surrounding foliage. Emilia javanica ‘Irish Poet’ begins blooming in mid-summer and continues to produce an immense amount of flowers into late summer. Since there are plenty of blooms, these tassel flowers act as a great filler for summer bouquets and arrangements. Native to the tropics and sub-tropics of Africa and Asia, this herbaceous wildflower is consequently an annual in this region. However, since this species is in the Asteraceae (daisy) family, the achene-like seeds are easy to collect, allowing you to easily sow and enjoy year after year! photo credit: C. Morrissey

Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’

Called turtlehead for its distinct flower shape that is reminiscent of a turtle head emerging from the water, Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’ adds a splash of soft pink late in the growing season after most of the other flowers in the garden have withered and gone to seed. This native perennial of southern Appalachia is featured on the College Avenue side of Cunningham House, which is a spot that provides some needed shade for this woodland species. This moisture-loving perennial would be a great addition to any woodland, shade, or bog garden, as well as in pond or stream peripheries. photo credit: C. Morrissey

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While all other Allium sp. blooms have faded and gone to seed this time of the year, Allium angulosum ‘Summer Beauty’ is in full bloom in the Harry Wood Courtyard Garden. ‘Summer Beauty’ is also a sterile cultivar, unlike others of this genus, thus removing the worry of dense reseeding. Its light lavender and orb-shaped inflorescence, which emerges in late June and remains until early August, attracts an array of pollinator species. Once the blooms fade and go to seed, the stem reddens, the foliage yellows, and the seed heads remain upright, adding interest in the fall and winter months. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Stokesia laevis ‘Peachie’s Pick’

Compared to other Stokes’ asters, as the monotypic genus is commonly called, ‘Peachie’s Pick’ is a late bloomer. And don’t be confused by the cultivar name, the beautiful periwinkle bloom color you see in front of Parrish Hall is normal! Because this species is native to southeastern United States, it does well and continues to flower with ease during our hot and humid summer days, as we have been experiencing lately. Another reason to pick this cultivar is for its dwarf stature and dense and tidy covering, making it a great choice for walkway edges, the foreground of perennial beds, and patio containers. To enjoy ‘Peachie’s Pick’ in your garden, be sure to plant in sunny, well-drained areas. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Colutea × media ‘Copper Beauty’

Named ‘Copper Beauty’ for its brilliant, pea-shaped flowers, the shrubs in the John W. Nason Garden are already developing their reddish, bladder-like seed pods, which caught my eye from afar. Because it is a leguminous plant, it can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, but it will thrive in well-drained areas of your garden that are exposed to full sun.  Described as a low-maintenance and hardy shrub, this cultivar is a great choice for the novice gardener and green-thumb, alike! photo credit: C. Morrissey

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Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’

Sweeps of the soft, purple inflorescence of this ornamental hybrid grass provide a new and exciting texture to the John W. Nason Garden. As the purple blooms develop in late spring to early summer, a color and texture contrast is created between the blooms and the rich, true green stems. Interest continues throughout the summer as the seeds develop, bringing hints of gold and tan to the garden. It will thrive in full-sun to part-shade and in moist, fertile soils but will also do well in drier conditions. This winner of the Perennial Plant of the Year award in 2001 is sure to be a hit in any garden!

Photo credit: C. Morrissey

Spigelia marilandica

The brilliant, crimson-red flowers of Spigelia marilandica have opened in front of the Map House and in the Pollinator Garden to reveal an element of surprise—the inner, canary yellow inflorescence. Although native to the southeastern region of the United States, this shade-loving perennial is hardy here in the northeast. It is a delightful addition to a woodland garden, pairing well with trilliums and ferns. Conditions for this plant to thrive include moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic but rich in organic matter. Expect hummingbirds and butterflies alike during flowering, for they are frequent visitors of this nectar-rich plant!

Photo credit: C. Morrissey

Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’

Reminiscent of a firecracker, the exuberant and vibrant red flowers of the ‘Jacob Cline’ beebalm in the Pollinator Garden are looking beautiful now against the stone wall of the Martin Building.  You can’t go wrong with this variety of beebalm, as it has larger and longer-lasting blossoms and is mildew-resistant, early blooming, and taller than most other varieties.  It’s a perfect choice in pollinator gardens, for it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  With its tall stature and vibrant bloom, this perennial is perfect for adorning walls, fences, and back edges of planting beds that receive full to part sun.

Photo credit: C. Morrissey

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