All Species > Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Dawn Redwood

The Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing deciduous conifer with ancient lineage — a true living fossil once thought extinct and rediscovered in China in the 1940s. It's highly regarded for bonsai due to its soft, opposite, feathery needles that turn bronze in fall, its buttressed trunk with reddish bark, and its rapid, predictable growth.

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

The Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing deciduous conifer with ancient lineage — a true living fossil once thought extinct and rediscovered in China in the 1940s. It's highly regarded for bonsai due to its soft, opposite, feathery needles that turn bronze in fall, its buttressed trunk with reddish bark, and its rapid, predictable growth.

Appearance

  • Feathery, opposite leaves that resemble those of bald cypress but with finer texture.
  • Bright green foliage in spring/summer turns rich copper-bronze in fall before shedding.
  • Bark becomes richly textured and reddish with age, especially on thickened trunks.
  • Strong natural taper makes it ideal for formal upright and forest compositions.

Bonsai Characteristics

  • Fast, upright growth and strong apical dominance.
  • Responds well to pruning and defoliation.
  • Works beautifully in formal upright, group/forest plantings (Yose-ue), and large bonsai.
  • Roots grow vigorously and require frequent repotting in early years.

Cultivation & Care

Light

  • Prefers full sun but appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter zones.
  • Strong light improves foliage density and internode length.

Watering

  • Requires consistent moisture — never let it dry out completely.
  • Thrives with deep watering and even shallow tray humidity in summer.

Soil

  • Moisture-retentive bonsai soil with good drainage.
  • Blend akadama with composted bark or organic material for balance.

Fertilizer

  • Spring: High-nitrogen feed promotes structural growth.
  • Summer: Use balanced fertilizer; avoid late-season overfeeding.

Pruning & Wiring

  • Prune in early spring before bud-break to shape structure and induce ramification.
  • Remove strong apical shoots to balance energy.
  • Use guy wires instead of hard wiring — branches are brittle and scar easily.

Repotting

  • Every 1–2 years in early spring.
  • Reduce roots aggressively — the species tolerates repotting well.

Wintering

  • Cold-hardy to at least Zone 5 when roots are protected.
  • Mulch, shelter, or bury the pot if in cold climates.

Pests & Problems

  • Very few pest issues in bonsai culture.
  • Watch for spider mites or scale in dry indoor conditions.
  • Maintain good airflow and avoid drying out to prevent browning.

Styling Ideas

  • Formal Upright (Chokkan): Ideal for showcasing natural trunk taper.
  • Forest Plantings (Yose-ue): Leverages soft foliage and tall slender lines.
  • Large Bonsai: Roots and foliage benefit from deeper pots and space.

Notes

  • Drop in temperature and day length triggers fall color and leaf drop.
  • Best visual impact when allowed to grow large and bold.
  • Excellent species for beginners wanting quick results.

Seasonal Care Guide

Late Dormancy (Invalid DateTime – Invalid DateTime)

  • Watering: Minimal watering; keep soil just barely moist.
  • Pruning: Structural pruning can begin during this period if needed.
  • Bud Shoot Management: Monitor buds for swelling as dormancy ends.
  • Pests Disease: Check for overwintering pests, clear debris.
  • Winter Protection: Maintain full winter protection until consistent thaw.
  • Wound Management: Seal any cuts from pruning to protect against pathogens.
  • Development: Plan training and spring tasks.

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun to partial shade
  • Notes: Provide afternoon shade in very hot climates.
  • Winter: Protect roots from deep freeze in containers.
  • Summer: Ensure consistent moisture during peak heat.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Deciduous
  • Form: Conifer

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: High
  • Notes: Soil should remain evenly moist; never let it dry out completely.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: High nitrogen in spring
  • Notes: Switch to balanced or low-nitrogen mid-summer to avoid leggy growth.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Use guy wires when possible; branches are brittle and prone to scarring.
  • Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance through summer
  • Notes: Pinch or prune vigorous shoots to encourage ramification.
  • Repotting: Every 1 - 2 years
  • Notes: Repot in early spring before bud break; root growth is vigorous.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Air layering possible but less common than softwood cuttings.

Zone 8b Considerations

Protect roots if temps < 20 F