Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Cupressaceae · coniferous tree · introduced
Last updated
Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Cupressaceae) is a deciduous conifer native to a small area in Sichuan Province, China, where it is critically endangered in the wild. It grows rapidly to 70 to 100 feet tall with a 13-foot spread, forming a narrow pyramidal crown. The opposite, feathery needles (about 15 mm) and opposite branching distinguish it from the alternate-leaved bald cypress (Taxodium). Reddish-brown bark exfoliates in strips. Foliage turns coppery bronze before dropping in autumn.
Dawn redwood thrives in full sun on moist, well-drained soil but also tolerates clay and occasionally wet conditions. Growth is fast. Cultivars include 'Gold Rush' (yellow spring foliage) and 'Miss Grace' (dwarf weeping, 10 feet). The species is a "living fossil" rediscovered in the wild in 1941 after being known only from 50-million-year-old fossils. It is the state fossil of Oregon. Despite its endangered wild status, it is widely successful in cultivation worldwide. Hardy in Zones 4a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Field Observations
Phenological Calendar
As of May 18, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2022.7 to 2224.5 GDD₃₂. Dawn Redwood has passed leaf emergence (1509 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 18, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,225 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,194 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,164 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,128 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,098 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,092 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,023 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Bud break BBCH 07 | — | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | — | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
| Pollen release BBCH 61 | — | Mar 15-May 15 |
| Pollen shed complete BBCH 69 | — | Apr 15-May 31 |
| Cone development BBCH 71 | — | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Cone maturity and seed shed BBCH 85 | — | Sep 1-Nov 30 |
| Foliage senescence BBCH 93 | — | Oct 1-Nov 15 |
| Foliage drop complete BBCH 97 | — | Nov 15-Feb 28 |
| ● Leaf emergence BBCH 11 NOW | 1509 | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
Source: Field observation, Lake Wilderness Arboretum (2026-04-20) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 18, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 3, 2026, then climate normals.