This tree was first described as a fossil in 1941 and was believed to be extinct, but a few years later a small stand of living trees was found in China. Like the Baldcypress, the Dawn Redwood is a deciduous conifer that loses its needles and some of its branches each year. It has only been in the United States since 1948, but has already proven to be a fast growing and desirable ornamental tree. Dawn Redwoods develop interestingly flared or buttressed trunks that look like braided bread with distinct “arm pits” beneath each branch.

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Dawn Redwood is a deciduous conifer producing small, round 1/2" to 1" cones. It has a neat pyramidal shape in youth, maturing into a more rounded crown. The bright green, feathery leaves turn orange-brown or reddish-brown in the fall. Fast-growing and easily transplanted. Likes full sun and prefers moist, deep, well-drained soils. One of the fastest-growing trees available. Grows to 70'–100', with a 25' spread.

USDA Zones 5-8