Dawn Redwood is one of only a few deciduous conifers. It is a large, fast growing tree that can make an excellent shade or street tree if the lot is large enough.  Dawn redwood has opposite needles that are approximately a half inch long. They turn beautiful shades of reds and browns in the fall before falling.  USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.  Fast growing. Can grow 70' to 100',  spread 15’ to 25'.

The Dawn Redwood is a living testimony to the surprises still to be found in nature. When dinosaurs roamed the earth, it is believed that trees in the Redwood family were very abundant. Today, only 9 genera and 15 species exist. Dawn Redwood was one of those known only as a fossil until 1948 when it was discovered growing in a remote valley of the Szechwan province in China. Seeds were shipped to the Arnold Arboretum and the species has been disseminated worldwide.

This Redwood can withstand some flooding and prefers moist soil conditions, but has some drought tolerance.

Needles are fine and feathery in appearance, bright green color with a narrowly grooved mid vein.