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The Bernheim Arboretum in Clermont, Kentucky, fared very well in this study with Metasequoia trees of huge stature. It is the Official Arboretum of Kentucky, with over 14,000 acres of land, and featuring 1,900 labeled varieties of plants. The highlights of this massive arboretum include the garden pavilion, three large lakes, a beautiful view at Big Prairie Overlook, and Tablet Hill. Metasequoias grow well in rural Kentucky, 20 minutes south of Louisville. This is an area in the Eastern Broadleaf continental forest, which is a climactic region in between the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Plains. It is in the very temperate Hardiness Zone 6, with low winds and slightly above average precipitation. The dominant soil order is Alfisols. |
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The Metasequoias at the Bernheim are thriving in these conditions. Three 24 inch seedlings were obtained from the C. M. Hobbs Nursery in 1964. While the chart above indicates that the site is only slightly above average, it is very noteworthy that two of the three trees there are now over 100 feet tall, one with a base of 36 inches in diameter. They did not score particularly well in this chart because there are only three planted before 1975 and the trees are not given a bonus on this chart for growing so quickly. But growing 100 feet in 41 years is pretty good in my book. Because my Average Ratings map accounts for these factors, they have scored very well on that. They also have a tree in my Top Ten. Between these and the impressive trees at the Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum, it seems that Metasequoias grow very well in the Cincinnati / Louisville region around the Ohio River. If you live around here, do not hesitate to visit these sites and try growing some trees in your own garden. The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest State Highway 245 Clermont , KY 40110 |
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