Sequoiadendron giganteum
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- se-KWOY-a-DEN-dron ji-GAN-te-um
- Description
-
This gigantic specimen can grow 250 to 300' in the wild and is among the most massive trees in the world. Its trunk diameter ranges from 15-20'. These long-lived trees have a lifespan of 2000 to 3000 years. They can be found growing on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. When planted in the correct climate outside its native habitat, success is possible, but heights may only reach 40-60'.
When young, trees will have a pyramidal shape. As they age, they keep the same shape however will lose their lower branches.
They are best located in cool, moist climates with consistent moisture. Will grow in sandy loam type soil with a consistent temperature range. It will not tolerate drastic climate changes or clay soil.
The bark is reddish-brown, spongy, ridged, furrowed, and textured (cork-like).
These unique giants are protected in national parks such as Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Forest fires are a high risk for seedlings and saplings. As the tree ages, its rapid growth, fire resistant bark, elevated canopies and self-pruned lower branches place mature trees at a much lower risk for being killed by fire.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Dieback, blight and butt rot are minor diseases that may be present.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Hazel Smith'
Bluish needles, more hardy. - 'Pendulum'
Erratic leading stem (zig-zag) - 'Powder Blue'
Blue foliage
- 'Hazel Smith'
- 'Hazel Smith', 'Pendulum', 'Powder Blue'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Hazel Smith'
Bluish needles, more hardy. - 'Pendulum'
Erratic leading stem (zig-zag) - 'Powder Blue'
Blue foliage
- 'Hazel Smith'
- 'Hazel Smith', 'Pendulum', 'Powder Blue'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Sequoiadendron
- Species:
- giaganteum
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- California, Sierra Nevada Mountains
- Distribution:
- California
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Play Value:
- Textural
- Dimensions:
- Height: 60 ft. 0 in. - 275 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 25 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Pyramidal
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- more than 60 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- Reddish-brown cones, up to 3" long and 2" wide. Seed cones mature and open in 2 years. They are persistent up to 20 years.
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Needles
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The bluish-green needles are awl-shaped, triangular in cross-section, and point upwards. They range in size from 1/8-1/2" in length.
-
-
Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Surface/Attachment:
- Furrowed
- Ridges
- Bark Description:
- The bark is a cinnamon-brown in color.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Shade Tree
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Fire
