Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Bonsai' is a dwarf selection of dawn redwood with short, bluish green needles and pendant branch tips. It's bark is rich dark brown and spongy, and it's overall structure is quite irregular. No two specimens are quite alike. Typical rate of growth in most areas is up to 4 inches (10 cm) per year resulting in an interesting focal point, 3 feet (1 m) tall and 4 feet (1.3 m) wide after 10 years in the garden.
This cultivar is a seedling selection from Dr. John Kuser at Rutgers University, New Jersey from seed obtained from China in 1992. The seedlings were later sent to Princeton Nurseries, New Jersey to develop further. Dr. Kuser made a gift of the original plant to the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA., where it can now be seen and appreciated by everyone.
It is interesting to note that 'Bonsai' is very similar in appearance to M. glyptostroboides 'Miss Grace.' Although they are both dwarf cultivars, 'Miss Grace' is derived from a witch's broom and 'Bonsai' is a seedling selection.
