Sierra Redwood Sequoiadendron giganteum

The giant redwood 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 but will lose their lower branches.

This giant conifer, evergreen is a member of the Cupressaceae family. The genus name, Sequoia, is in honor of the Native American Cherokee Chief Sequoyah. The other part of the genus name, dendron, means "tree." The epithet, giganteum, means "gigantic".

They are best located in cool, moist climates with consistent moisture.  They 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. The largest known living tree is a giant redwood known as General Sherman which is located in Sequoia National Park.

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 of being killed by fire.  

The giant redwood requires a large space and the correct climate. They are attractive in large gardens.

Quick ID Hints:

• conifer, evergreen, growing 100 feet to 300 feet tall
• bark reddish-brown, spongy, fibrous, and furrowed
• stems with scale-like leaves that eventually fall off, and the stem is reddish-brown with scaly bark
• leaves blue-green, small, scale-like, sharply pointed, or awl-shaped on like branches
• cone buds form late summer and the following summer they are full-size
• cones are oval, woody, brown, and about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide when mature

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This tree is usually pest free, but it is important to monitor for honey fungus.  Dieback, blight, and butt rot are minor diseases that may be present. Giant redwoods planted outside of their native range tend to be more susceptible to insect and disease damage. 

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University