Metasequoia glyptostroboides Jack Frost

Jack Frost Redwood

Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Jack Frost’

A fast-growing deciduous conifer tree with a narrow pyramidal habit and soft, feathery foliage marked with creamy white to frosted variegation. This selection is grown mainly for its unusual foliage effect rather than flower or cone display, and Trees and Shrubs Online notes it was selected by Buchholz & Buchholz Nursery in Oregon in 1989 from a pan of seedlings.

Type: Deciduous conifer tree.
Mature Size: about 5' wide x 12' high in 10 years; ultimate size may become much larger with age, as with other dawn redwoods.
USDA Zones: 4a–8b.
Form: Upright, narrow pyramidal.
Light: Full sun.
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained to occasionally wet soil; moderate to regular water, especially while establishing.
Bloom Time / Length: Non-flowering conifer; grown for ornamental foliage from spring through fall.
Wildlife: Provides cover and structure in the landscape, but it is not primarily grown for pollinator value. This is an inference from species-level dawn redwood references.

Features & Landscape Uses: Best used as a specimen or collector’s tree where the frosted variegation can be appreciated up close. The variegation appears to be somewhat variable in strength depending on the plant and growing conditions, with one reference describing it as bright and frosted and another noting only a hint of variegation.

Care: Plant in full sun in moist, reasonably well-drained soil. Keep it watered regularly during establishment and avoid prolonged drought stress, which can reduce vigor in dawn redwoods. Because this is a variegated selection, a protected site with good moisture is a sensible choice. The moisture guidance is based on species-level cultural references plus cultivar seller information.

Plant type

Conifer, Deciduous Tree

Height

30'

Width

10'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

SeaGreen, Vanilla

Fall color

Gold

Soil

Moist well-drained, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Narrow Upright, Pyramidal

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No