Dawn Redwood

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

60-110 Feet

Mature Spread

30-40 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Dawn Redwood, or Metasequoia glyptostroboides, is a deciduous, large-growing conifer that has a gentle pyramidal shape and soft, slightly upturned branches that bear graceful cones and sweeping, finely textured pale green needles. The needles of this incredible tree turn light bronze in the autumn, adding to its already ample landscaping appeal. The mature bark of the Dawn Redwood is dark with dramatic fissures, and the trunk forms a wide flute, or butresse, at the base. Dawn Redwood produces 1-inch female oval cones. The Dawn Redwood is a vigorous grower, reaching 60 to a 110 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. When the tree is young, and planted in a mild climate, it can grow nearly six feet per year.

Once thought to have been extinct, the Dawn Redwood was rediscovered in the 1940’s, growing in its native China. It is a vigorous, upright grower that is commonly used to form large, powerful windbreaks, or as a single specimen in large romantic landscapes. It is not a good choice in dry climates, or coastal areas, and is susceptible to frost damage if grown in colder regions. This imposing, low-maintenance beauty can grow under most conditions and is resistant to oak root fungus.    

Dawn Redwood Care

Dawn Redwood grows best in well-drained, acidic soil with regular, consistent moisture. It can tolerate damp and water-logged soil with ease, but will have stunted growth in dry soil. This tree is massive and needs a wide berth and plenty of sunlight to reach its full potential, at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant your Dawn Redwood in an area where water is easily accessible. It should receive at least 1 inch of water per week under its entire canopy of branches. The Dawn Redwood rarely needs fertilizer unless it is planted in areas with poor soil. 

The Dawn Redwood’s natural pyramid shape does not require a lot of pruning, other than basic removal of dead, damaged, or diseased limbs. Any cuts made to your Dawn Redwood should be at a 45-degree angle, especially if you are trimming near the trunk or main branches of the tree. Because of their mammoth size, they may require professional trimming.

Dawn Redwood Spacing

When planting, space your Dawn Redwood 25 feet or more apart from center to center. Young trees can be started in containers, but should be transferred before their second season. Dawn Redwoods make stunning single specimen trees, along a stream bank or the edge of a river or pond. They are excellent planted in groves and work well as a windbreak.

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