- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 60 - 110 Feet
- Mature Spread 60 - 110 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 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.
Dawn Redwood Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Trees |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 60 - 110 Feet |
Mature Spread: 30 - 40 Feet |
Spacing: 30 - 40 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Orange To Red-Brown |
Seasonal Interest: Winter Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest |
Brand: |
Common Name: Dawn Redwood |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: METASEQUOIA GLYPTOSTROBOIDES |
- SKU:
- 1001489-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.