<i>Metasequoia </i>tree named ‘Soul Fire’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Metasequoia tree named Soul Fire is disclosed, characterized by interesting foliage colors. Spring foliage is light green and bronze, creating an overall gold appearance. Summer foliage is bright lime green and resists Summer burn. Fall foliage is orange. Internodes are shorter than typical for Metasequoia glyptostroboides with gold foliage. The new cultivar is a Metasequoia, suitable for various landscape purposes.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Metasequoia tree named Soul Fire as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical tree of Soul Fire grown outdoors in Malvern, Pa. at approximately 4 years of age, during Summer.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a close up of the emerging Spring foliage color.

(3) The photograph was taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2007 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe Soul Fire trees grown outdoors in Malvern, Pa. Trees are approximately 10 years old, planted in the ground. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical tree types. Temperatures ranged from approximately 17 C. to 35 C. during the day and 17 C. to 26 C. Botanical classification: Metasequoia glyptostroboides Soul Fire.

PROPAGATION

(5) Propagation method: Grafting.

TREE

(6) Growth habit: Upright, pyramidal. Deciduous or evergreen: Deciduous. Leaf loss: Late October to December. Leaf emergence: Mid to late April. Height: Approximately 25 feet. Tree spread: Approximately 12 feet. Typical growth rate: Moderate. Trunk color: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 175A with flaking streaks of 175B and C. Trunk diameter (give height measured at): 12 at 8 above ground level. Trunk texture: Exfoliating, flaking, streaked. Branching characteristics: Horizontal from trunk. Diameter of lateral branches: Varies, with an average range between 0.5 to 4 inches. Quantity of lateral branches: Full branching. Texture of lateral branches: Typical of species with shorter nodes. Color of lateral branches: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 177B to D. Strength of lateral branches: Strong and flexible, no snow, ice or wind damage observed. Internode length: 2.5 cm.

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Arrangement.Opposite. Individual needles: Average length.1.5 cm. Average width.2 mm. Shape of blade.Linear. Apex.Acute. Base.Obtuse. Attachment.Sessile. Margin.Entire. Texture of top surface.Glabrous, soft. Texture of bottom surface.Glabrous, soft. Color.Spring foliage upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 150C, tinted Orange-Red N34C and N34D. Very slight lint near Red 39B towards tips. Spring foliage under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 150B, tinted Orange-Red N34C and N34D. Summer foliage upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green N144B. Summer foliage under side: Near RHS Green 138B. Fall foliage upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Orange 19A, tips Orange 26B. Fall foliage under side: Near RHS Yellow-Orange 19A, tips Orange 26B.

FLOWER

(8) Flowering not observed to date. Cone not observed to date.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(9) Disease and pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility observed. Drought tolerance: Tolerates drought once established. Can also tolerate wet conditions. Temperature tolerance: Observed to tolerate temperatures between 17 C. and 40 C.