Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a deciduous conifer tree that can grow up to 130 feet (40 meters) tall. Its bark is reddish-brown and peels off in long strips. The leaves are needle-like and arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches. The tree produces small cones that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and contain seeds that are about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) long.