A tree that, like the species, can easily reach over 20 m, but which has a distinctly narrower pyramidal crown. The bark is reddish brown and fibrous and peels off in long strips. The straight, vertical trunk has regular branching. Older branches are virtually horizontal and relatively short. The compound needles stand on short and long shoots and are opposed, unlike Taxodium. Metasequoia is a healthy tree which is reflected in the bright green foliage. In autumn it turns deep orange-brown before falling off with the short shoots. Its deep rooting makes the tree very wind resistant and it tolerates a lot of moisture. Mainly grows on lighter soils.