Dawn Redwood

Dawn Redwood, MU Campus

Dawn redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, is a deciduous conifer that, according to fossil records, was thriving alongside the dinosaurs in the Mesozoic Era 65 million years ago. Believed to be extinct, it was discovered growing in China in the 1940s. The tree is identical to its ancient ancestors. Dawn Redwood is the only living species in its genus, but three fossil species are known. This specimen, growing on the Francis Quad between the Reynolds Journalism Institute and Picard Hall, is the largest on the MU campus. Some ‘Raven’ specimens are growing along College Avenue.

Fast growing, the dawn redwood can reach heights of 70 feet or more, so don’t try this one at home unless you have a very large yard. It likes full sun and prefer moist well-drained soil but will thrive in a variety of conditions once established. This tree, previously obscured by a large pin oak, has come out from the shadows and it is expected it will respond well to the increased light.

Feathery bright green leaves that are soft to the touch, turn an attractive rusty red before dropping in the fall. Brown half-inch to one-inch round cones protect the tree’s seeds.

Dawn redwood’s large, spreading branches will droop handsomely as the tree matures. Trees develop deeply fissured bark and, as the tree ages, its base becomes broader and exhibits a beautiful fluting footprint.

Dawn Redwoods, National Arboretum

Content by Jan Wiese-Fales. Photos by Chris Starbuck