Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Also listed as Metasequoia honshuenensis, Metasequoia neopangaea
Also known as Chinese Redwood, Deciduous Redwood
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous conifer with feathery, fern-like foliage that turns russet-bronze in fall before dropping. Fast-growing and pyramidal, it thrives in moist sites and adds seasonal interest to the landscape.
Why grow it
Dawn redwood offers a distinct deciduous conifer option for gardeners seeking seasonal change in temperate climates. Unlike evergreen conifers, it provides soft, feathery texture during the growing season followed by warm fall color and winter silhouette, making it useful for varied landscape compositions. Its rapid growth rate means it establishes quickly compared to slower conifers, though it remains smaller than many evergreen species at maturity.
Watch out for
This species requires consistent moisture and performs poorly in dry or compacted soils, so site selection matters significantly for long-term health. Branches can be brittle under heavy snow or ice loads in areas prone to winter storms, which may necessitate periodic structural pruning or protective siting in exposed locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native Range
Central China
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Sheridan Spire' is a narrow, columnar selection ideal for smaller spaces; 'Gold Rush' is prized for its golden foliage in autumn.
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous conifer with feathery, fern-like foliage that turns russet-bronze in fall before dropping. Fast-growing and pyramidal, it thrives in moist sites and adds seasonal interest to the landscape.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Dawn Redwood grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Dawn redwood offers a distinct deciduous conifer option for gardeners seeking seasonal change in temperate climates. Unlike evergreen conifers, it provides soft, feathery texture during the growing season followed by warm fall color and winter silhouette, making it useful for varied landscape compositions. Its rapid growth rate means it establishes quickly compared to slower conifers, though it remains smaller than many evergreen species at maturity.
Watch out for
This species requires consistent moisture and performs poorly in dry or compacted soils, so site selection matters significantly for long-term health. Branches can be brittle under heavy snow or ice loads in areas prone to winter storms, which may necessitate periodic structural pruning or protective siting in exposed locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native Range
Central China
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Sheridan Spire' is a narrow, columnar selection ideal for smaller spaces; 'Gold Rush' is prized for its golden foliage in autumn.