Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

Dawn Redwood – Metasequoia glyptostroboides: An In-depth Look

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a magnificent, fast-growing deciduous conifer known for its graceful form, feathery foliage, and fascinating history. Once believed to be extinct and known only through fossils, it was rediscovered in China in 1941 and introduced to the horticultural world in the 1940s. Today, it is cherished as a living fossil and a striking landscape tree.

The cypress family, Cupressaceae, to which Dawn Redwood belongs, also includes other well-loved trees such as Bald Cypress, Coast Redwood, Italian Cypress, and Golden Threadleaf False Cypress.

Native Range

Dawn Redwood is native to the remote valleys of central China. It was believed to be extinct until a small population was found in the Sichuan province. Since its introduction to cultivation, it has become a global favorite, thriving in temperate landscapes across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Plant Type and Habit

Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree with a pyramidal habit. Its conical form, horizontal branching, and gracefully drooping branchlets create a refined silhouette that is visually appealing in all seasons.

Size

This tree can reach impressive heights of 70 to 100 feet (21-30 m), with a spread of about 15 to 25 feet (4.5-7.5 m). In optimal conditions, it can grow up to 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) per year, making it one of the fastest-growing trees available. Discover 35 Fast Growing Trees for Small Yards and Large Gardens

Lifespan

Though cultivated specimens are relatively young, the species is believed to be capable of living for several centuries, especially in favorable climates with moist soils.

Flowers and Cones

Dawn Redwood produces separate male and female cones on the same tree (monoecious). Male cones are small, rounded, and hang in clusters, while female cones are larger, up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) long, maturing to brown. The cones develop in late summer and persist through winter.

Foliage

Unlike most cone-bearing trees, Dawn Redwood sheds its foliage each winter. In spring, delicate, flat sprays of narrow, bright green leaves emerge, maturing to lush emerald green in summer. Come fall, the lacy needles transform into rich hues of yellow-brown, pink, apricot, and copper, creating a stunning display. Its russet-red autumn color and striking winter silhouette make it a standout feature in any landscape.

Bark

The bark is reddish-brown, deeply fissured, and peels in long strips. Older trunks develop attractive fluting, especially at the base, giving the tree a sculptural quality.

Hardiness

Dawn Redwood thrives in USDA zones 4-8, making it adaptable across a wide geographic range. It handles cold winters well and also tolerates heat and humidity.

Uses

• Specimen Tree: Dawn Redwood’s size, rapid growth, and elegant form make it ideal as a focal point in parks, large gardens, and expansive lawns.
• Street Tree: Its tolerance for pollution and urban soils allows it to thrive in cityscapes and along roadsides.
• Rain Gardens and Wet Areas: Tolerant of occasional flooding, it excels in low-lying, moisture-retentive sites.
• Historical Significance: As a “living fossil,” it adds educational and botanical value to arboreta and botanical gardens.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides cover and shelter for birds, squirrels, and small mammals.
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Wildlife Value

Though not a primary food source, Dawn Redwood provides valuable cover for wildlife in winter. Its dense foliage offers nesting sites for songbirds, and its cones, though small, contribute to the local ecosystem.

Deer and Rabbits

Dawn Redwood has moderate resistance to deer browsing. Young trees may require protection in areas with high deer populations.

Toxicity

Dawn Redwood is non-toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife.

Invasiveness

Dawn Redwood is not invasive. It reproduces primarily by seed but does not spread aggressively beyond cultivation.

Benefits

• Rapid growth for quick impact.
• Unique deciduous conifer habit.
• Exceptional fall color.
• Adaptable to wet and dry soils.
• Resilient in urban conditions.
• Low maintenance once established.

How to Grow and Care for Dawn Redwood

Choosing the Right Location

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours of direct light) is essential for vigorous growth.
• Soil: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soil but adapts to a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy loam.

Planting

• Best Time: Plant in spring or fall.
• Spacing: Allow at least 20-30 feet (6-9 m) between trees to accommodate mature width.
• Process: Dig a wide planting hole, amend soil if needed, and water thoroughly after planting.

Watering

Dawn Redwood prefers evenly moist soil, particularly when young. Mature trees tolerate occasional drought but thrive with regular watering in dry spells. This tree is wet soil tolerant.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, especially if soil is poor. In rich soils, fertilization is rarely necessary.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or crossing branches as needed to maintain structure. Best pruned in late winter while dormant.

General Maintenance

• Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitoring: Check for pests or diseases, though serious issues are rare.

How to Propagate Dawn Redwood

Propagation by Seed

• Collect mature cones in late autumn.
• Extract seeds and stratify in moist sand for 30-60 days at 34-40°F (1-4°C).
• Sow in spring in a well-draining mix.
• Keep moist and provide bright light until germination.

Propagation by Cuttings

• Take softwood cuttings in early summer.
• Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist sand.
• Provide humidity with plastic covering.
• Transplant after rooting in 6-8 weeks.

Common Pests and Diseases of Dawn Redwood

Pests

• Japanese beetles: May feed on foliage in some areas.

Diseases

• Canker: Can occur in stressed trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about dawn redwood?

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is remarkable for its history, beauty, and adaptability. Once thought extinct and known only from fossils, it was rediscovered in China in the 1940s. This fast-growing deciduous conifer features soft, feathery foliage that changes from bright green in spring to rich russet in fall, adding year-round interest to landscapes. Its unique combination of ancient lineage, rapid growth, stunning seasonal color, and tolerance for wet soils makes it a prized ornamental tree.

What is the lifespan of a dawn redwood tree?

Dawn Redwood trees can live for several hundred years under favorable conditions. While exact data on lifespan in cultivated landscapes is limited, many experts estimate that healthy trees can thrive for over 600 years, given their ancient lineage and durability.

Where is the best place to plant a dawn redwood tree?

The best place to plant a Dawn Redwood is in a spacious location with full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in acidic soils but adapts to various soil types, including clay and wet soils. Ideal sites include large lawns, parks, and near ponds or streams, where it can develop its full majestic form. Ensure it has enough room to grow, as mature trees can reach 70 to 100 feet tall with a spread of 25 feet.

What is the difference between a dawn redwood and a bald cypress?

Dawn Redwood and Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) are both deciduous conifers with feathery foliage, but they have several key differences. Dawn Redwood has opposite leaves and branchlets, while Bald Cypress leaves and branchlets are arranged alternately. Dawn Redwood also tends to have a more sharply pyramidal form, while Bald Cypress is more columnar with a flared trunk base. Additionally, Dawn Redwood prefers slightly acidic, moist soils, while Bald Cypress excels in wetter, swampy conditions.

Do bald cypress trees have invasive roots?

Bald Cypress trees develop strong, spreading root systems, but they are not typically considered invasive. However, their roots can lift sidewalks or disrupt foundations if planted too close to structures. In wet environments, Bald Cypress also produces distinctive woody “knees,” which protrude above the soil surface.

Does Dawn Redwood get knees?

No, Dawn Redwood does not produce knees like Bald Cypress. While both species thrive in wet soils, only Bald Cypress forms these woody projections. Dawn Redwood’s root system is extensive and strong, but it remains underground, making it better suited for residential landscapes where surface roots might be undesirable.