Dawn Redwood

(Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous needles
Height: 70 to 100 feet
Spread: 25 feet
Shape: Upright

Bright green, feathery, needle-like foliage turns brown and drops quickly in the fall. One of the few deciduous conifers.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 6 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Moist to dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include summer screen and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily.
Grows best in deep, moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil.
Plant in full sun.

Care:

Easy to maintain.
Pruning is usually not needed because of the plant's neat, pyramidal growth habit.

Problems:

No serious pests.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of METASEQUOIA GLYPTOSTROBOIDES:
No important cultivars.

Comments:

Known only as a fossil from prehistoric times, Dawn Redwood was discovered in 1945 growing in a remote valley of Central China.
Seeds were brought to the United States in 1948 and distributed throughout the country.

Additional Materials:

The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-604 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Rare and Unusual Trees"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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