Metasequoia tree named ‘Urban Spire’

Abstract

A new and distinct Metasequoia cultivar named Urban Spire is disclosed, characterized by a distinctive upright, narrow tree form. Branches are held at angles of approximately 45 degrees or less, forming the distinctive narrow shape. The tree is well suited for small properties, street applications or as a specimen in the landscape. The new cultivar is a Metasequoia, suitable for various landscape purposes.

Claims

1. A new and distinct Metasequoia tree named Urban Spire 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 Urban Spire grown outdoors in Malvern, Pa. at approximately 10 years of age, during Summer.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates the same tree during the Winter, while deciduous. FIG. 2 illustrates the acute angle of the branches, better seen without foliage. The photographs were 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

(3) 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 Urban Spire trees grown outdoors in Malvern, Pa. Trees are approximately 10 years 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 Urban Spire.

PROPAGATION

(4) Typical Propagation method: Bud wood graft.

TREE

(5) Growth Habit: Upright, columnar deciduous tree. Height: Approximately 25 feet after 10 years. Tree Spread: Approximately 12 feet after 10 years. Typical Growth Rate: Moderate. Trunk Color: Near RHS greyed orange 173 A. Trunk Diameter (give height measured at): 12 at 8 above ground level. Trunk Texture: sinewy. Branching Characteristics: 45 degree, or less angle from trunk. Diameter of Lateral Branches: Varies, with an average range between 0.4 to 4 inches. Texture of Lateral Branches: Shredded. Color of Lateral Branches: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 173 A. Strength of Lateral Branches: Strong and flexible, no snow, ice or wind damage observed. Internode length: Average 1. Root Description: Fibrous, very well branched. Colored near RHS Brown N199B.

FOLIAGE

(6) Leaf: Arrangement.opposite. Average Length.3 to 4 inches. Average Width.0.75 to 1 inch. Shape.Oblong. Individual Needles: Arrangement.Opposite. Average Length. to inch. Average Width. 1/16 up to inch. Shape of blade.Linear. Apex.Acute. Base.Obtuse. Attachment.Sessile. Margin.Entire. Texture of top surface.Glabrous. Texture of bottom surface.Glabrous. Color.Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137 C. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137 C. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 135 A. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green 138 A. Fall foliage upper side: Near RHS Greyed-Orange N170 A. Fall foliage under side: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 168 C. Venation.Type: Linear. Venation color: Indistinguishable from foliage color. Petiole.Length: About inch. Diameter: About 1/16 inch. Color: Near RHS Green 137C. Texture: Glabrous.

FLOWER

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

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(8) Disease and Pest Resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility observed. Drought Tolerance: Tolerates drought once established. Temperature Tolerance: Observed to tolerate temperatures between 17 C. and 40 C.