About

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, the dawn redwood, is a vigorous, fast-growing deciduous conifer making a large, narrowly conical tree to 25 m with fibrous, orange-brown bark. Soft, fresh-green, feathery leaves held in two opposite ranks give a fern-like appearance; in autumn the foliage turns tawny-gold before falling. One of the great specimen trees � best given space to develop its full, elegant form.

About the genus

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, the dawn redwood, is the sole member of this genus � a large, deciduous, conical conifer with reddish-brown fibrous bark and soft, pale-green, linear leaves arranged in two ranks, colouring beautifully in autumn before falling. A remarkable living fossil rediscovered in 1944.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toC. China (N.W. Hubei)

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Will tolerate dry and chalky soils although growth will be slower. See conifer cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, hardwood or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus
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