News Summary
At Michigan State University’s Beal Botanical Garden, a dawn redwood, planted in 1954, continues to thrive despite a history of adversity, including a lightning strike. Standing at 86 feet tall, it serves as a symbol of conservation and the resilience of nature. Once thought to be extinct, this deciduous conifer showcases the importance of dedicated conservation efforts, with over 60 dawn redwoods on campus. Its historical significance stretches back over 100 million years, reminding visitors of the enduring spirit of life amidst challenges.
Resilient Dawn Redwood Thrives at Michigan State University After Decades
East Lansing, Michigan, is home to a remarkable tree that has stood the test of time and is a true testament to resilience. At Michigan State University’s Beal Botanical Garden, a majestic dawn redwood was planted in 1954. Fast forward to today, and this magnificent tree continues to reach for the skies, standing tall at about 86 feet with a robust diameter of 3.9 feet.
A Lightning Strike Won’t Bring It Down
This dawn redwood is not just any ordinary tree; it has a history of overcoming adversity. It’s survived a lightning strike decades ago that significantly damaged it. However, despite such powerful forces of nature, the tree continues to thrive, displaying a remarkable spirit that reflects its ancient lineage.
A Species Rediscovered
One of the fascinating aspects of the dawn redwood is that it was once thought to be extinct. This incredible species was rediscovered in the 1940s in China, leading to a global effort to plant these trees in various locations, including right here in Michigan. Today, Michigan State University boasts an impressive collection of over 60 dawn redwoods on its campus, with this particular tree serving as a symbol of conservation.
Historical Significance
Tracing back its origins, the dawn redwood was once a thriving part of North America’s vegetation over 100 million years ago. Its fossil record offers an insight into a world long past, making its presence in East Lansing all the more special. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University notes that this tree’s lineage stretches back more than a century, and it has made a significant comeback thanks to dedicated seed collection expeditions that began in the late 1940s.
Physical Characteristics
The dawn redwood belongs to a unique group of trees called deciduous conifers, which means they shed their needle-like leaves every fall, setting them apart from their evergreen relatives. Unlike their larger cousins, such as the giant sequoia that can grow up to
314 feet tall or the coast redwood reaching over 379 feet, dawn redwoods are a more modest size but equally majestic in their own right. Their reddish-brown bark and heartwood give them their ‘redwood’ name, adding to their charm and beauty.
Michigan’s Record-Setting Trees
In Michigan, these trees have made quite the splash on the state’s landscape, with eleven dawn redwoods listed in the Michigan Big Tree Register. The tallest, an impressive 106 feet, resides in Holland, while the girthiest, at a robust 4.8 feet in diameter, can be found in Jackson.
A Growing Community
The resurging popularity of dawn redwoods demonstrates their adaptability and rapid growth. They have a distinct pyramidal shape, making them a stunning visual addition to any environment. It’s noteworthy that the Michigan Big Tree Register includes two giant sequoias but no coast redwoods, showcasing how special the dawn redwood community is in the state.
Longevity and Legacy
While these trees are not among the oldest living tree species, with the oldest known dawn redwoods living up to 250 years, their contribution to the planet’s ecosystem is immeasurable. Their legacy is woven into Michigan’s ecological fabric, reminding us all that life can persist against odds, and sometimes even flourish after enduring challenges. So, the next time you find yourself in East Lansing, take a moment to visit the Beal Botanical Garden and appreciate the enduring spirit of the dawn redwood, a living link to our planet’s wonderful history.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: MSU’s Big Dawn Redwood
- Wikipedia: Dawn Redwood
- MLive: Once Thought Extinct
- Google Search: Dawn Redwood
- MLive: Get Your Dawn Redwood
- Google Scholar: Dawn Redwood
- WKFR: Michigan Raising Canes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dawn Redwood
- WKFR: East Lansing Human Trafficking
- Google News: Dawn Redwood
