Amber Glow Dawn Redwood Tree (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides) – 7 Gallon Pot (4-5′)

Have you always wanted a Redwood but don’t have the space for a giant tree? Meet the Amber Glow Dawn Redwood, a new variety with a much smaller stature. Dr. Michael Dirr says that this relative of a living fossil, which was thought to be extinct but rediscovered in 1941, estimates the mature size at only 15 feet tall and 7 to 8 feet wide. We’ve added a few feet to those dimensions, just in case. Either way, it’s a smaller version that is a perfect fit for smaller gardens. As with other Metasequoia, Amber Glow shows off the typical flared trunk and rough reddish bark, but the fine needles are a bright golden color with orange highlights in spring, turning to a bright golden in summer that doesn’t fade or burn out. Fall brings a handsome amber-orange color before the needles drop for winter to expose the handsome bark. A relative of Bald Cypress, this deciduous conifer can be grown in boggy, wet areas. Otherwise, it will prefer some supplemental water during summer dry spells in average well-draining soils.

Until 1941, when it was first discovered growing in the wild near the town of Modaoqi, China by Chinese forester, T. Kan, Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) was thought to have been extinct, with only fossils to show it once existed. Seeds collected from the original site were made available to the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1947. Seedlings grown there from were planted in front of the Lehmann Building at MBG in 1952 where they have now developed into large mature trees (70’+ tall). Since then, new and improved varieties have emerged, such as Amber Glow, which are more suited for contemporary gardens.

Growing 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, the Amber Glow Dawn Redwood tree is ideal for use as a specimen in smaller gardens spaces or in groupings or rows in larger landscape spaces. A fine addition to conifer gardens, bird gardens, bog gardens, and near bodies of water.

Suggested Spacing:  7 feet apart for screen plantings; 15 feet or more apart for space between trees

The Dawn Redwood is very easy to grow in a consistently moist, humusy soil and full to mostly sun. Maintenance is minimal to none…just plant and watch it grow. That said, though it will tolerate short summer dry spells it appreciates a consistently moist soil. Pruning isn’t necessary, however selective pruning for shaping or to remove lower branches is tolerated. Avoid pruning in the spring when the tree is emerging from dormancy. Prune in late winter.