The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Nitschke Cream dawn redwood

Family: Cupressaceae (cypress family)

Distribution: Species native to c. China

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: An unusual deciduous conifer with a more upright habit than species. In spring, the first flush of growth is nearly white. It later becomes irregularly marked with areas of cream. These light colored needles benefit from some light shade to prevent burning. Fall color is bronze-yellow. In ten years it will reach 10' tall and 6' wide. Ultimate size is unknown but potentially the same as the species, 60-80' tall. Selected by P. C. Nitschke in Australia.