Overview of Dawn Redwood:
Dawn Redwood is one of only a few deciduous conifers. It is a large, fast growing tree that can make an excellent shade or street tree if the lot is large enough.
Latin name:
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Common Names:
Dawn redwood
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Zones 4-8
Size & Shape of Dawn Redwood:
Dawn Redwood rapidly grows to 75-100' or taller and 15-25' wide, with a pyramidal shape.
Exposure:
Dawn redwood should be planted in full sun.
Foliage/ Flowers/Fruit of Dawn Redwood:
Dawn redwood has opposite needles that are approximately .5" long. They turn shades of reds and browns in the fall before falling.
The fruit is a 1" cone, making this one of the few deciduous conifers.
Additional Dawn Redwood Facts:
Dawn redwood is often confused with common baldcypress (Taxodium distichum). The needles on dawn redwood are opposite, meaning directly across from each other, while baldcypress is alternate (staggered).
Dawn redwood is considered a "living fossil". It dates from prehistoric times, and was thought to be extinct. However, it was discovered in China in 1941. Seeds were brought to North America, where it now grows again.
Design Tips for Dawn Redwood:
This is a large, fast growing tree. If you have enough space for it, this works well as a shade or street tree.
DawnGrowing Tips for Dawn Redwood:
Grow dawn redwood in moist, well drained soil. It does not do well if grown in alkaline or dry soils.
This tree may have frost damage as it grows until late in the season, and may be caught by early chills.
Propagation is with stratified seeds and cuttings.
Maintenance/Pruning:
Dawn redwood naturally forms a pyramidal shape, so little pruning is needed besides the customary removal of dead, diseased and damaged branches.
Pests & Diseases of Dawn Redwood:
Japanese beetles and spider mites can be problems for this tree.
This tree generally does not have disease problems.
