Dawn Redwood Tree Seeds | Water Fir | (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Dawn Redwood Tree Seeds | Water Fir | (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Known only from fossils. Rediscovered in 1944. Extraordinary in every season.
Metasequoia glyptostroboides, the Dawn Redwood, is one of the most remarkable trees in modern botanical history. Once believed extinct for millions of years, it was rediscovered alive in rural China in 1944. Today, it stands as a living fossil planted around the world. The only deciduous redwood, it drops its soft, feathery needles each fall after a striking display of copper and bronze, then returns in spring with vibrant green growth. Fast-growing and adaptable, it delivers both story and presence.
- Once thought extinct for 65 million years, rediscovered in 1944
- Unique deciduous redwood with seasonal needle drop and fall color
- Extremely fast-growing for a large specimen tree
- Tolerates wet soils and periodic flooding
- Living relic of ancient forests that once covered the northern hemisphere
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
It once grew near the poles.
Fossils show Dawn Redwoods thrived across the northern hemisphere, including regions near the Arctic Circle during warmer prehistoric climates.
All modern trees trace back to one place.
The global population originates from seeds collected in a single Chinese valley in the late 1940s, making every tree part of the same rediscovered lineage.
It grows at an incredible pace.
Under good conditions, Dawn Redwood can grow 3 to 5 feet per year, reaching impressive height in just a few decades.
Its fall color is unmatched among conifers.
The soft needles shift from green to gold to rich copper before dropping, creating a seasonal display rare for a tree of this type.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Stratification: Recommended; 30–60 days cold stratification improves germination
- USDA Zones: 4–8
- Soil: Prefers moist, rich soils; tolerates wet conditions and periodic flooding
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 70–100 feet
- Spread: 15–25 feet
- Growth Rate: Fast (3–5 ft/year)
Plant it and tell everyone where it came from. There is no better conversation on your property.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. They are stored under dry, cold conditions to preserve viability without initiating stratification, allowing you to time germination for your local growing season.
The exception is recalcitrant seeds. Because these seeds must remain moist to stay viable, they are kept in moist, cold storage and are therefore in a pre-stratified state. Depending on how long a particular batch has been stored, some may arrive with an emerging radicle and be ready to plant immediately. Radicle development is not guaranteed.
Please refer to the individual product page and included growing instructions for species-specific requirements.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes. Some species we offer, including Chestnut, Hazelnut, and Paw Paw, are recalcitrant and must remain moist to stay viable.
Please refrigerate these seeds immediately upon arrival unless they have already developed a radicle. Seeds with an emerging radicle should be planted promptly.
Do you ship internationally?
No. We currently ship within the United States only.
We previously shipped to Canada, but tariffs, duties, and import fees resulted in customers receiving significant and unpredictable additional charges upon delivery. Because we cannot reliably calculate or absorb these costs, we have suspended shipping to Canada.
At this time, we do not ship to Canada or other international destinations.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
• Hand-packed in resealable kraft paper seed bags
• Stratification and planting instructions included on every seed pack
• Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS within the United States and U.S. territories
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
If your order arrives damaged, contains incorrect items, or is missing items, please contact us within 7 days of delivery so we can resolve the issue.
