Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Gold Rush'

Fall color. ©2004

Once thought to be extinct, Dawn redwood was discovered in 1944 in China, soon after million year old fossils from Metasequoias were found in Japan. This tree grew on the North American continent over 15 million years ago. Now, it is once again growing on this continent. Michael Dirr once wrote, "This tree provides a case history of perhaps how endangered species should be managed. . . propagate and share."

Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Gold Rush' was found as a seedling in Japan and was named 'Golden Ogi', which means the golden mantle. Dutch horticulturalist Peter Zweinburg brought it to Europe and changed the name to 'Gold Rush'.

The name, Metasequoia, comes from the Greek word meta, meaning changed and refers to sequoia, which it is related to.

This is a fast-growing tree, reaching 15-20 feet in ten years, after 20 or more years it will reach 50 feet. After that, it may reach 100 feet. It has not been in cultivation long enough for it to reach its full potential. In the Pacific Northwest, the gold foliage will not burn in full sun, unlike other gold foliage that has this tendency.

I found myself smitten with its fall coloring one day in the nursery. I went home to try to find room for just one more tree in my garden. I could plant it, but eventually it would outgrow the space I have available. Thankfully, my young friend, a beginning gardener who lives next door, bought one and planted it. So now I can enjoy the view of his tree from my back yard. I wonder, is he trying to show me up by planting a living relic in his backyard?

Metasequoia 'Gold Rush' keeps its coloring well into summer. It then turns orange-brown in fall, when it sheds its needles. In spring, the needles return an almost chartreuse yellow color. The bark is interesting on this deciduous tree, with deep fissures, giving it winter interest. It thrives in many kinds of soil. It is, however, important to give it some irrigation during our long summer drought. If you have room to grow this conifer, it will be a stunning addition to your landscape. Now if you will excuse me, I need to go negotiate myself some visiting rights for a tree next door.

There is more information and images of this tree in the Plant Gallery and Growing Guide.

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