Dawn Redwood Tree – Metasequoia Glyptostroboides – 5 Gallon Pot

Very easy to grow and super fast growing, the Dawn Redwood is a beautiful tree that has been around since the “dawn” of the ages. From fossil records, it is known to have existed as many as 50,000,000 years ago. It features very soft and feathery fern-like foliage that emerges light green in spring maturing to deeper green in summer before changing to a handsome red-bronze in fall. The tree in our gardens grows like a weed, adding 3 to 5 feet in height per year depending on rainfall and irrigation. As the tree matures to upwards of 75 to 100 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide, the trunk broadens at the base and develops attractive and sometimes elaborate fluting. A truly spectacular tree that deserves a spot in any landscape where it will grow and that can accommodate its size. USDA Zones: 4a-8b  Find Your Zone

Until 1941, when it was first discovered growing in the wild near the town of Modaoqi, China by Chinese forester, T. Kan, Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) was thought to have been extinct, with only fossils to show it once existed. Seeds collected from the original site were made available to the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1947. Seedlings grown therefrom were planted in front of the Lehmann Building at MBG in 1952 where they have now developed into large mature trees (70’+ tall).

Growing 70 to 100 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide at maturity, the Dawn Redwood tree is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings, or in single or staggered rows to delineate a property line or line a driveway or street. Perfect for use as a shade tree and when planted on the west side of the home cooling costs will be reduced. A fine addition to conifer gardens, bird gardens and near bodies of water.

Suggested Spacing:  12 feet apart for screen plantings; 30 feet or more apart for space between trees, depending on soil moisture

The Dawn Redwood is very easy to grow in a consistently moist, humusy soil and full to mostly sun. Maintenance is minimal to none…just plant and watch it grow. That said, though it will tolerate dry spells it appreciates a consistently moist soil. Pruning isn’t necessary, however selective pruning for shaping is tolerated or to remove lower branches is fine. Avoid pruning in the spring when the tree is emerging from dormancy. Prune in late winter.