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The Metasequoias at the Cornell Plantations in Ithaca, New York have not grown well compared to other northern sites like the University of Vermont and the University of Washington. Yet Cornell Plantations is a beautiful place, a garden of nearly 300 acres adjacent to Cornell University. The plantations include Cornell’s botanical garden, arboretum, and natural areas. Additionally, Cornell Plantations has preserved over 4,000 acres of natural areas around Tompkins County. The plantations include two astounding gorges, many lakes, and a multitude of gardens. Some gardens include various decorative, shrub, herb, vegetable, crop, rhododendron, and wildflower gardens. Cornell Plantations is in a unique area that may be strongly affected by the “Lake Effect”. It is in the Laurentian mixed forest area, a colder region that encompasses much of northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Maine. The growing seasons here are short, and the forests are mixed, with both deciduous and coniferous species. Cornell Plantations is in Hardiness Zone 5, a cooler temperate zone. The winds are average to above average, and precipitation is below average to average. The dominant soil order is Inceptisols. |
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Here in the Laurentian forest of Ithaca, Metasequoias have not fared well. Three were planted in 1963 and 1964, received from an individual, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the National Arboretum. All three specimens are around 40 feet tall, and two have base diameters of around 10 inches. One of the trees planted in 1963 is in full sun, and does have a fairly large base diameter of 26 inches, particularly sizable for a 35 foot tall tree. The other trees with smaller base diameters are in wooded areas. Yet it is important that Metasequoias are capable of growing in such a climate. Metasequoias also grow at the University of Vermont. Additionally, there are Metasequoias growing in Montreal, an area significantly further north than Ithaca. This may be the only site with Metasequoias within hundreds of miles, and the garden as a whole is worth a visit. Cornell Plantations 1 Plantations Road Ithaca, NY 14850 |
Data courtesy the Cornell Plantations
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