Dawn Redwood Tree 12-14" Live Bare Root Plant Zones 4-8
The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a remarkable deciduous conifer that brings a unique blend of ancient history and modern landscape appeal to your garden. Once thought to be extinct, this "living fossil" was rediscovered in China and has since become a cherished ornamental tree. Its feathery, bright green needles create a soft, graceful texture in spring and summer, turning a warm golden-bronze in autumn before dropping for winter. The tree's conical shape and rapid growth make it an excellent choice for a specimen planting, a privacy screen, or a striking addition to a large yard or park-like setting.
Plant Features
- Deciduous conifer with soft, feathery needles that change color seasonally
- Fast-growing habit, adding several feet per year under ideal conditions
- Pyramidal to conical form with a straight central trunk
- Tolerant of a range of soil types, including wet areas
- Provides year-round interest with its unique branching and bark
Growing Information
- Botanical Name: Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Plant Type: Deciduous conifer
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and wet conditions
- Water Requirements: Moderate to high; keep soil consistently moist, especially when young
- Growth Habit: Upright, pyramidal
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Mature Height: 70-100 feet (with a spread of 25-40 feet)
- Spacing: 20-30 feet apart for screen plantings
Planting & Care
Your Dawn Redwood arrives as a live bare root plant, 12-14 inches tall. Upon receipt, unpack immediately and soak the roots in water for 1-2 hours before planting. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the spread of the roots, place the tree so the root crown is level with the soil surface, and backfill gently. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the trunk.
Once established, Dawn Redwood is relatively low-maintenance. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches, as the tree naturally develops an attractive shape. It is generally pest and disease resistant. Provide supplemental water during dry spells, especially in the first few years. This fast-growing tree can quickly become a focal point in your landscape.
What's Included
One (1) Dawn Redwood Tree live bare root plant, 12-14 inches tall.