Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Ogon'

Dawn Redwood

Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Ogon’

A fast-growing deciduous conifer tree with a narrow pyramidal habit and soft, feathery foliage that emerges bright golden yellow to chartreuse in spring, holds strong color through much of summer, then turns tawny orange-brown before dropping in fall. This cultivar is widely sold as Gold Rush or Goldrush, but the American Conifer Society states that ‘Ogon’ is the original and valid cultivar name.

Type: Deciduous conifer tree
Mature Size: 20' wide x 50' high in 20 years; 80–100' high with age
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Pyramidal
Light: Full sun to light shade; young trees may scorch in hot full sun if stressed or under-watered.
Soil / Water: Deep, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; moderate to regular water, especially during establishment
Bloom Time / Length: Non-flowering conifer; prized for foliage from spring through fall
Wildlife: Provides cover and structure in the landscape; not primarily grown for pollinator value.

Features & Landscape Uses: Best used as a specimen or focal tree where the golden foliage can contrast with darker evergreens or green backgrounds. It is especially effective in large landscapes, near water, or in Asian-inspired and woodland-style plantings. Compared with the straight species, Oregon State notes it grows somewhat more slowly while retaining much of its bright yellow color through summer.

Care: Plant in full sun for strongest color, but keep young trees evenly watered to reduce foliage scorch. It performs best in deep, moist, well-drained soil and should be watered deeply during establishment. Once established, reduce watering frequency, but do not allow it to stay dry for long periods.

Plant type

Conifer, Deciduous Tree

Height

50-80'

Width

20'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Does not flower, Late Spring

Fall color

Orange

Soil

Moist well-drained, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Pyramidal

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No