Dawn Redwood is a living fossil. It dates from prehistoric times and was thought to be extinct. In 1941 it was rediscovered in China and brought to North America, where it thrives today in dense forests along the California coastline.

Redwood grows quickly to 75'-100' or taller and about 20' wide, an excellent shade tree if you have the room. The grove outside my window was a Christmas tree 50 years ago. It's become a cluster that's so tall I can't see the top. Hummingbirds love it.

Hardy in zones 4-9, Redwoods prefer a temperate location with foggy mornings, but do fine in drier climates, even indoors. This tree makes an extraordinary bonsai.

Seeds are very small and germination is slow. Soak in warm water for 24 hours, (a thermos is ideal) then cold stratify for 30 days in the fridge. Plant in rich soil just below the surface cover your pot with plastic wrap and a rubber band, or place in a baggie. Keep soil consistently moist, but not soaking wet. At the end of the cold stratification period, keep pot covered in plastic wrap or in a baggie and place in a warm, sunny spot.
Remove wrap when you have seedlings. And please have patience. These trees grow forever, but start slowly. They’re worth the wait.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

25 seeds

Third photo courtesy of Jerry Norbury.

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