Redwoods are some of the most awe-inspiring evergreen trees on the planet, and learning how to identify them feels a bit like stepping into a living time capsule. These gentle giants tower with unmatched grace, bringing unforgettable texture, color, and structure to large landscapes. Whether you’re identifying Redwoods by their bark, needles, cones, or towering growth habit, each feature tells a story of age, endurance, and natural wonder.
In this chapter of our evergreen identification series, we’ll uncover the signature clues that set Redwoods apart from other evergreen conifers. With their soft, feathery needles, fibrous bark, and distinctive cones, these ancient trees offer a unique presence that stands tall in both wild forests and cultivated landscapes. Ma Nature really outdid herself with this evergreen family.
Meet the Redwood Family
Redwoods belong to two primary groups: Metasequoia (Dawn Redwoods) and Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwoods). Both are true living fossils. Dawn Redwoods were once thought to be extinct until a grove was discovered in China in the 1940s. Coast Redwoods claim the title for the tallest trees on Earth. Each has charming quirks and identifying features that make it unforgettable.
Below is a clear, gardener-friendly breakdown to help anyone, from curious beginners to seasoned plant lovers, quickly identify these impressive evergreen trees.
Key Identifying Features of Redwoods
Redwood Bark
- Dawn Redwood: Reddish brown bark with long, vertical furrows. Bark tends to be softer and slightly flaky compared to Coast Redwood.
- Coast Redwood: Thick, fibrous, deeply ridged bark. Soft and spongy to the touch. Warm cinnamon to deep red coloration. Remarkably fire resistant.
Redwood Tree Needles
- Dawn Redwood: Soft, opposite-arranged, flat needles that turn brilliant coppery orange in fall. These are one of the few deciduous conifers, dropping their needles in winter.
- Coast Redwood: Evergreen needles arranged in two flat rows along the stem. Dark green and glossy, with a faintly sweet aromatic scent when crushed.
Redwood Cones
- Dawn Redwood: Small, rounded cones, about 1 inch long, with opposite scales forming a tight, compact pattern.
- Coast Redwood: Small, egg-shaped cones, typically less than an inch long. Scales are thick and somewhat puffy.
Redwood Tree Shape and Structure
- Dawn Redwood: Strongly pyramidal shape when young, becoming more rounded with age. Deciduous canopy stands out among evergreens.
- Coast Redwood: Tall, narrow columns with persistent lower shading due to dense evergreen foliage. Massive main trunks and upward-sweeping limbs.
Redwood Tree Roots
- Dawn Redwood: Fibrous, spreading roots that appreciate moisture and deep soil.
- Coast Redwood: Wide spreading shallow roots often interlock with neighbors, giving stability to these skyscraper-sized trees.
Growth Speed
Both Dawn and Coast Redwoods grow exceptionally fast, making them powerhouse trees for large properties and long-term landscape design.
Top Redwoods at Nature Hills Nursery:
Dawn Redwood
Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing, deciduous conifer with soft, feathery needles that shift from fresh spring green to glowing copper in fall. Its pyramidal shape, furrowed bark, and strong trunk make it easy to recognize. This living fossil adds bold height and a timeless vibe to big open spaces.
Amber Glow Dawn Redwood Tree
A vibrant Dawn Redwood with golden chartreuse needles that shimmer in sunlight. New growth flushes with warm amber tones, giving it a glowing, almost sunrise-inspired look. Same quick growth and pyramidal form as the species, but much showier for modern landscapes.
Gold Rush Dawn Redwood Tree
A standout selection known for its bright golden foliage all growing season. The needles feel soft and fernlike, forming a fluffy, luminous canopy that lights up any yard. The gold tones intensify in full sun, making this one a true eye catcher.
Soquel Coast Redwood Tree
Soquel Coast Redwood is an evergreen Redwood with rich green needles arranged in elegant flat sprays. Famous for its strong central leader, bluish green cast, and straight, formal shape. Thick, reddish bark and dense foliage make it an incredible legacy tree for spacious sites.
Aptos Blue Coast Redwood Tree
A Coast Redwood is prized for its unique blue-green needles that give the whole tree a cool-toned glow. Its towering, columnar habit, deep red bark, and persistent evergreen canopy create a dramatic, forest-like presence. A real showpiece for large properties.
Redwood Tree Landscaping Uses
Because of their large size, Redwoods shine best in wide open spaces, public gardens, estates, parks, and acreage plantings. Gardeners love them for:
- Majestic specimen plantings
- Natural shade creation
- Long-term windbreaks
- Historic or educational garden displays
- Waterside plantings
- Architectural backdrops
Their tall, elegant forms also work beautifully as legacy plantings for future generations to enjoy.
Care and Maintenance of Redwoods
Redwoods are surprisingly low-maintenance for such iconic trees.
- Plant in full sun for the strongest form and fastest growth.
- Choose rich, moist, well-drained soil.
- Keep young trees consistently watered: here are helpful watering tips.
- Mulch generously to protect surface roots with a good mulch layer.
- Avoid hot, dry, exposed sites for Coast Redwoods unless irrigation is available.
- Prune only to maintain structure or remove dead wood.
A Redwood Reflection
Redwoods prove that time, patience, and towering beauty never go out of style. Their bark, needles, cones, and sky-reaching silhouettes tell a story that’s millions of years old. Talk about an evergreen charm that never quits growing.
Happy Planting!