Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 60–80 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun.
medium water60–80 ft tall and 25–40 ft wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Variety / cultivar
- Dawn Redwood
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 60–80 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, orange
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryOur alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Leaf ScorchIts leaf edges brown in hot, dry wind, so give it steady summer water and some shelter from the worst afternoon blast.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Frequently asked questions
- Is Dawn Redwood good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Dawn Redwood is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Dawn Redwood only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Our alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it. The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How big does Dawn Redwood get?
- It matures to about 60–80 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Dawn Redwood need?
- Give Dawn Redwood about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Dawn Redwood grow into?
- Dawn Redwood typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Dawn Redwood hardy on the Front Range?
- Dawn Redwood is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Dawn Redwood need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Dawn Redwood grow?
- Dawn Redwood is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Dawn Redwood live?
- Dawn Redwood is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Dawn Redwood turn in fall?
- Dawn Redwood turns bronze and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Dawn Redwood native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Dawn Redwood deer-resistant?
- Dawn Redwood is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
