2.5" Detailed Fossil Plant Leafs Metasequoia Dawn Redwood Oligocene Age MT COA

The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) is an extraordinary living fossil tree, with a lineage that stretches back to the age of dinosaurs. Fossil evidence shows that Metasequoia once thrived in ancient forests across Asia, Europe, and North America, forming lush, humid ecosystems dominated by deciduous conifers. These prehistoric forests provided habitats for dinosaurs, early mammals, and a variety of plant species.

For centuries, Metasequoia was known only from fossilized leaves, cones, and wood, earning the nickname “fossil tree.” Its status as a “lost” tree changed in 1944, when living Dawn Redwoods were discovered in central China, confirming the survival of this ancient genus. Both fossil and modern trees are deciduous conifers, shedding needles seasonally—a rare feature among cone-bearing trees.

Modern Dawn Redwoods grow into tall, straight trunks with pyramidal crowns, reaching heights of up to 120 feet. Fossil specimens are prized by collectors, paleobotany enthusiasts, educators, and museums for their scientific and aesthetic value. Metasequoia fossils offer a tangible link to prehistoric forests, ancient climates, and plant evolution, providing insight into the resilience and continuity of plant life over millions of years.