What hardiness zones is Metasequoia glyptostroboides suitable for?

Metasequoia glyptostroboides is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Metasequoia glyptostroboides?

Metasequoia glyptostroboides requires Full Sun.

How much water does Metasequoia glyptostroboides need?

Metasequoia glyptostroboides has Medium water needs.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, dawn redwood

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Coniferous Trees

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

dawn redwood

Cupressaceae

Central China, border region of Hubei, Hunan, and Sichuan provinces

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height70-100 feet (21-30 m)

Width25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 m)

Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Maintenancevery low

Overview

A large deciduous conifer reaching 70-100 feet (21-30 m) tall and 25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 m) wide at maturity, with a strongly pyramidal to conical form. Growth rate is fast, among the most rapid of temperate-zone conifers, adding 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) per year in favorable conditions. Known only from the fossil record until living specimens were discovered in Hubei Province, China, in 1944, making it one of the most notable botanical discoveries of the 20th century. Leaves are linear, flat, 0.5-0.75 inches (1.3-2 cm) long, arranged oppositely in two ranks along deciduous branchlets (an unusual feature among conifers — most have alternately arranged needles). Foliage emerges light green in spring, deepens to medium green in summer, and turns russet-orange to coppery-bronze before dropping in late fall, along with the entire branchlet (the branchlets, not just the needles, are deciduous). Bark is reddish-brown, fibrous, and vertically fissured on mature trunks, becoming deeply furrowed with a spongy texture. The trunk develops a pronounced buttressed, fluted base with age, which is one of the tree's most distinctive features. Male and female cones are produced on the same tree; pollen cones are pendulous in axillary clusters; seed cones are globose, approximately 0.75 inches (2 cm) in diameter, green maturing to brown. Root system develops prominent surface roots near the trunk. Hardy to approximately -20°F (-29°C). Tolerates wet and even periodically waterlogged soils, reflecting its native habitat along stream banks.

Native Range

Native to a small area of central China in the border region of Hubei, Hunan, and Sichuan provinces (Lichuan County, Hubei is the type locality). Found naturally in moist valley bottoms and along stream banks at elevations of approximately 2,300-5,000 feet (700-1,500 m) in mixed mesophytic forests. The wild population is small and fragmented. The species was first described from fossil specimens in 1941 and was assumed to be extinct until living trees were identified by Chinese botanist Zhan Wang in 1944.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a large specimen tree in parks, campuses, large gardens, and along waterways at 30-40 foot (9-12 m) spacing. Suitable for wet sites where many other large trees fail, including stream banks, rain gardens, and stormwater retention areas. The deciduous habit allows winter sunlight to penetrate, unlike evergreen conifers. Not suitable for small residential lots due to mature size. Not suitable for containers at mature size.

How to Identify

Distinguished from other conifers by the combination of deciduous habit, oppositely arranged flat needles on deciduous branchlets, and a strongly buttressed trunk base. The opposite phyllotaxy (leaf arrangement) distinguishes it from the superficially similar Taxodium distichum (bald cypress), which has alternately arranged needles. Bark is reddish-brown and vertically fissured. The strongly pyramidal form, fast growth rate, and buttressed trunk base are further identifying features. In winter, after needle drop, the fine branching pattern and reddish-brown furrowed bark are distinctive.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height70' - 100'

Width/Spread25' - 35'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

light green

medium green

russet

bronze

Fall Foliage Colors

orange

bronze

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Monoecious: male pollen cones form in pendulous axillary clusters in March to April before leaves emerge. Female seed cones are globose, approximately 0.75 inches (2 cm) in diameter, on long stalks, green maturing to brown by fall. Cones ripen in October to November and persist briefly on the tree. Bloom is not the primary ornamental feature; the tree is grown for its form, bark, and seasonal foliage changes.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Not applicable (conifer cones)

Foliage Description

Light green in spring; medium green in summer; russet-orange to coppery-bronze in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysandsilt

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-25 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in moist, deep, well-drained soil for fastest growth; tolerates wet and periodically waterlogged soils. Adapts to a wide range of soil pH from 5.0 to 8.0. Water regularly during the first two to three growing seasons; established trees tolerate moderate drought but growth rate slows significantly during prolonged dry periods. Mulch the root zone with 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) of organic material. Surface roots develop near the trunk on mature trees, which can lift pavement and complicate mowing; plan for adequate root space. No serious pest or disease problems. Japanese beetles may feed on foliage in affected regions but damage is rarely severe. Allow ample space for the mature spread; this tree requires a large site.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required. Maintain a single central leader; remove competing leaders when young to prevent co-dominant stems, which can split under snow or wind load. Remove dead or damaged branches at any time. Lower branches can be removed gradually to raise the canopy for clearance, but the natural low-branching habit is part of the species' character. Does not require or benefit from heading cuts. Wounds heal slowly on large branches; avoid removing branches larger than 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.

Pruning Schedule

winter

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic