One of the few deciduous conifers, Metasequoia gylptostroboides is eye-catching with its soft green foliage.  Today this tree, the sole living member of the genus, occurs in the wild in a limited range in China in the Sichuan-Hubei region. The Metasequoia genus was once widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, and the fossil record dates back to the Late Cretaceous.

Foliage of Metasequoia glytpostroboides 'North Light'

In the fall dawn redwoods turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange, and then shed all their needles. Their winter silhouettes offer glimpses of the branching structure, cones and buds. A solitary upright Metasequoia glyptostroboides shimmering on a frosty morning is a breathtaking site. By spring the entire tree is covered in new light green growth which is very soft to the touch.  Cultivars have been selected for foliage color and form.  'Ogon' has golden foliage and is also known as 'Gold Rush'.  The narrower green form 'Miss Grace' has pendulous branches. There is also a dwarf rounded form called 'North Light'.  Any one of these would add a bit of flash to the garden.