Redwood Dawn

Dawn Redwood is a deciduous conifer with fresh green foliage and small, scaly cones (present only in hot-summer climates). In autumn, the needles turn a deep brownish shade of red before dropping -- a splendid sight! This tree grows quickly, often creating buttress roots (raised roots above the soil on all sides of the trunk, helping to support it and to access surface nutrients) that add to its stunning ornamental appeal. After just 10 years it may be 10 to 15 feet tall; after 30 it could be as much as 50 feet high, and ultimately it will reach 100 or more feet high, with a trunk several feet in diameter at the base. This pyramidal tree is a glorious landmark in any large-scale setting. It loves moist to wet soils, so it's a natural choice for a waterside planting, and poor soil drainage is a godsend to its thirsty roots. As you might expect, it is not drought-tolerant at all, particularly when young, so take care to select a spot that acquires constant moisture with or without your intervention!