Dawn Redwood

Long description

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

A fast-growing, ancient conifer with an incredible backstory — long known only from fossils, it was thought extinct until living trees were rediscovered in a remote region of China in the 1940s. Despite its evergreen appearance, Dawn Redwood is actually deciduous: soft, feathery needles emerge bright green in spring, deepen through summer, then turn a striking orange-red to russet-bronze each fall before dropping for winter, giving it real four-season interest.

It grows in a naturally symmetrical, pyramidal form with a straight, fluted trunk that develops attractive buttress-like flaring at the base as it matures — a distinctive feature that makes older specimens especially striking. This is one of the fastest-growing conifers available, making it a popular choice where a large, fast shade tree with real character is wanted.

Growing conditions: Best in full sun with moist, slightly acidic, well-draining soil, though it's adaptable to a range of soil types including clay. Tolerant of occasional wet or soggy soil, and low-maintenance once established. Give it plenty of room — this eventually becomes a very large tree.

Quick specs:

Mature height: 70–100 ft (some sources cite a range as wide as 40–90 ft depending on age, climate, and cultivar)

Mature spread: 15–25 ft

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4–8

Growth rate: Very fast — up to 3–5 ft per year under ideal conditions

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Moist, slightly acidic, well-draining; adaptable to clay and wet soils

Maintenance: Low; needs very little pruning

Foliage: Deciduous conifer — feathery green needles turning orange-red in fall

Uses: Large specimen tree, shade tree for expansive lawns, naturalized or park-like settings