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; moist valleys and ravines; discovered as a living species in 1941 (previously known only from fossils dating to the Cretaceous period)

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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 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
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Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Metasequoia glyptostroboides is dawn redwood (water fir), a large upright deciduous conifer growing 70-100 feet (21-30 m) tall and 25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 m) wide with a conical pyramidal form. Flat needles 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in opposite pairs along deciduous branchlets — light green in spring, medium green in summer, russet-orange to coppery-bronze in fall before dropping. Reddish-brown fibrous-shredding bark. The trunk develops a broad buttressed base on mature specimens. In Cupressaceae. A living fossil — known from Cretaceous fossils (65+ million years ago), discovered as a living species in Hubei, China, in 1941. A deciduous conifer — drops needles and branchlets in fall. The very large mature size is the primary space limitation. Needs consistently moist soil — not drought-tolerant. Tolerates a wide pH range (5.0-8.0) and wet conditions. No significant pest or disease problems. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Native to central China — border region of Hubei, Hunan, and Sichuan provinces. Found in moist valleys and ravines. Discovered as a living species in 1941.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a specimen tree in large landscapes, parks, and along water features spaced 25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 m). Living fossil. Deciduous conifer — russet-bronze fall color. Tolerates wet soil. Not for small lots. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

How to Identify

Identified by flat needles in opposite pairs along deciduous branchlets (dropped in fall) on a large conical conifer with reddish-brown fibrous bark and a buttressed trunk base. The opposite needle arrangement distinguishes Metasequoia from Taxodium distichum (bald cypress — alternate needle arrangement). Both are deciduous conifers. In Cupressaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height70' - 100'
Width/Spread25' - 35'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

light green
green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
bronze

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Early spring (March-April). Pollen release from small male cones. Female cones 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) on long stalks. Wind-pollinated. 2 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Conifer — not applicable (produces small round cones 0.5-1 inch / 1.3-2.5 cm on long stalks)

Foliage Description

Flat needles 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in opposite pairs along deciduous branchlets; light green in spring; medium green in summer; russet-orange to coppery-bronze in fall before dropping

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
Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-25 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Moist soil pH 5.0-8.0 — tolerates wide pH range, clay, and wet conditions. Not drought-tolerant. No significant pest or disease problems. Very large at maturity (70-100 feet / 21-30 m). Prune in late winter (February-March). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February-March). Develop a single central leader. Remove dead, crossing, or competing leaders. The conical pyramidal form is natural — minimal pruning needed on healthy trees.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic