Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
 
Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing, deciduous conifer with soft, feathery foliage and a tall, tapering trunk that naturally lends itself to upright bonsai styles. Once thought extinct and rediscovered in the 1940s, it's often called a “living fossil.” Its bright green needles turn a striking bronze in fall before dropping, making it one of the few conifers that brings full seasonal interest.
 
As a Bonsai:
Dawn Redwood is well-suited for formal and informal upright styles. It grows quickly, so it needs regular pruning to maintain structure but also develops a tall trunk and graceful taper with ease. The foliage is soft and delicate, and while it doesn't reduce as much as some species, its rapid growth and dramatic form make it ideal for larger bonsai.
 
📢 This is a cold-hardy species—it requires a winter dormancy and should be kept outside year-round. In locations with extreme cold, we recommend placing it on the ground, mulching around the pot, and protecting it from wind.
 
Plant Features:
Hardiness Zone: 4–8 (cold-hardy and requires winter dormancy)
Growth Habit: Upright and fast-growing with strong apical dominance
Mature Size: 70–100 ft in landscapes; best suited for larger bonsai styles
Foliage: Soft, flat, bright green needles that turn coppery-orange in fall
Trunk & Bark: Develops fibrous, reddish-brown bark with age
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Type: Moist but well-draining soil; tolerates wet conditions better than most bonsai species
Water Needs: High; prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season
Pests/Disease: Generally resistant, though root rot can occur in poorly drained soil
Special Features: Deciduous conifer, fast growth, strong upright form, beautiful fall color