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. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
