#5 Gallon
The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a fast-growing, deciduous conifer famed as a "living fossil," thought extinct until found in China in 1941. It grows 70–100+ feet tall in a strong pyramidal shape, featuring feathery, light green needles that turn stunning russet-orange in fall before shedding. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic soil. 
Key Characteristics & Overview
Foliage: Deciduous conifer (rare, as most are evergreen), with bright green leaves that turn orange-brown in fall.
Structure: Rapidly growing (up to 50 ft in 15–20 years), with a straight, central leader and deeply fluted, reddish-brown bark.
Size: Typically 70–100 feet tall, but can exceed 150 feet in height with a 15–25 foot spread.
Habitat: Thrives in full sun and wet, marshy, or well-drained soils.
Wildlife: Provides winter cover for birds and small mammals. 
Uses & Landscape Value
Specimen Tree: Ideal for large, open spaces, parks, and along water features like streams.
Allées/Groves: Excellent for creating dramatic rows or grouped plantings.
Cultivars: 'Gold Rush' (or 'Ogon') is popular for its bright yellow-gold foliage. 
History & Growth
Living Fossil: Known from fossils dating back to the dinosaur age, it was discovered living in China in 1941, making it a major 20th-century botanical discovery.
Growth Rate: Very fast-growing, making it an excellent choice for quick vertical structure.
Maintenance: Generally low-maintenance with few serious pests, though sometimes prone to damage from Japanese beetles. 
Planting Requirements
Zones: Generally hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Light: Full sun (6+ hours).
Soil: Tolerates high moisture and clay soils.