Dawn Redwood 'Goldrush': The Golden-Living Fossil

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• Family:	Cupressaceae (koo-press-AY-see-ee) (Info)
  Genus:	Metasequoia (met-uh-see-KWOY-uh) (Info)
  Species:	glyptostroboides (glip-toh-stroh-BOY-deez) (Info)
  Cultivar:	Goldrush
  Additional cultivar information:	(aka Gold Rush, Ogon)

Overview

The Dawn Redwood 'Goldrush' (Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Goldrush', syn. 'Ogon', 'Gold Rush') is a breathtaking cultivar of the famed "living fossil" conifer. While the species was known only from Miocene fossils until living populations were discovered in China in the 1940s, 'Goldrush' adds a luminous twist: brilliant golden-yellow foliage that holds its color through the growing season, turning a rich orange-bronze in autumn before dropping.

Foliage & Seasonal Drama

The feathery, opposite, linear needles emerge in spring a vivid, soft yellow—almost glowing in the landscape. Unlike many gold conifers, 'Goldrush' resists scorching in full sun (though some afternoon shade is appreciated in hottest climates). The foliage softens to a lighter greenish-gold in midsummer heat, then transforms into a spectacular coppery-orange show in fall before the deciduous needles drop, revealing the tree's handsome, fluted, reddish-brown bark and strong pyramidal architecture.

Form & Growth

Fast-growing and pyramidal in youth, 'Goldrush' matures into a large, stately tree 50–70+ feet tall and 15–25 feet wide. It develops the species' characteristic broad, buttressed base and deeply fissured bark. It is monoecious, producing small, inconspicuous cones.

Culture & Landscape Use

Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8, 'Goldrush' prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun to light shade. It tolerates wet soils better than most conifers, making it suitable for stream banks or low spots. Its intense golden color makes it a superb specimen or focal point in large landscapes, parks, and arboreta. It pairs beautifully with blue or dark green conifers for contrast. A living fossil with a modern, high-impact color palette.