Metasequoia glyptostroboides
This tree profile is shared for educational purposes. Urban Forest Nursery does not currently grow this variety, but it remains part of ongoing discussions around urban tree selection.
UPDATE 2026: Although still a great tree and highly recommended, we no longer grow these because they just take so much room. When planting, give them lots of room to grow so they are there a very long time.
I recall an older ISA Tree Fund video describing the Dawn Redwood tree as a very popular urban tree in Europe. More locally, I know of a significant street tree planting in Snoqualmie Ridge. They appear to be growing well despite being planted in relative poor and compacted soils, but time will tell. Arthur Lee Jacobson, in his ‘Trees of Seattle’ book, reports that they are found all over Seattle with some fairly large ones existing, although only planted since the late 1940’s. They are especially appropriate for parks, golf courses, cemeteries, boulevards and other large open spaces.
The Dawn Redwood transplants very well and does not appear to have the aggressive root system found on the Giant Sequoia. There are several cultivars with possibly the ‘National’ and ‘Sheridan Spire’, the most popular for urban tree plantings. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts and knowledge of this and other tree varieties if you have them.
As always, let me know your experience with this tree.
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Jim Barborinas
Owner of Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist #0135
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #356
15119 McLean Rd.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
jim@urbanforestnursery.com
What should I know about Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)?
Here are some common questions we hear from people considering this tree:
Dawn Redwood is still considered a great tree, but we no longer grow it because of the space it requires in production. Its size and growth habit make it difficult to fit within our current nursery program.
This tree is valued for its strong presence in the landscape and its ability to grow into a large, long-lived specimen. It has a classic, upright form and has been widely planted in urban areas, where it can develop into an impressive feature over time.
It has shown the ability to establish well, even in less-than-ideal soils, and transplants reliably. It has been used successfully in a variety of settings, from streets to larger landscape plantings, though its long-term performance continues to be observed in some urban conditions.
This tree needs plenty of space to reach its full potential and is best suited for larger sites such as parks, boulevards, and open landscapes. It does not appear to have overly aggressive roots, but planning for its mature size is key to long-term success.