Dawn Redwood

Metasequoia glyptostroboides or the Dawn Redwood is a large, fast-growing, deciduous, pyramidal evergreen tree. It grows up to 30 metres tall with attractive, feathery foliage that is easy to transplant. It has spreading branches that droop with age. Dawn Redwoods prefers moist, deep, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. It is tolerant of wet soils and heavy frosts and prefers a position in full sun. It prefers cool humid conditions, and climates ranging from cool to warm temperate that have rainfall dispersed throughout the year. Mulch well to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. Fertilise early in spring, especially when young. Dawn Redwoods make an attractive ornamental specimen tree and suit large areas such as parks, larger gardens, and large commercial or stately grounds, as a “living fossil”. It is also tolerant of pollution and can be used in streetscapes. Space widely, at least 8 metres away from other large plants or structures. The Dawn Redwood was discovered during a plant expedition into remote China in the 1940s and is endangered in its natural habitat. It was first known from fossil records, and not as a living extant plant until its discovery.