Gold Rush Gamble

Dawn redwoods have a spotty record in Minnesota. Some specimens die their first year, others persist until succumbing to our cold winters, and yet others keep reaching skyward year after year. Like sycamores, there are several impressive specimens throughout the Twin Cities. But if you’re going to gamble, why not go big?

The appropriately labeled “Gold Rush” is just tantalizing enough to take a chance on (you won’t be the first — Baileys Nursery has a beautiful specimen right outside their office). The stunning foliage emerges brilliant gold in spring and only cools off slightly throughout the summer. Come fall, the whole tree starts burning with orange tones even brighter than a bald cypress. Come winter, one sits back and prays that its bare branches flush with life when winter recedes.

Grows to 100′ tall by 20′ wide in a happy location over time, but likely stay smaller in Minnesota.