Giant Sequoia

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Giant sequoia trees are the giants of the plant kingdom, growing to large dimensions, both in height and volume. They are also very long-lived. It is the only living member of its genera.

Giant Sequoia Bonsai

Scientific Classification

KingdomPlantae
DivisionPinophyta
ClassPinopsida
OrderPinales
FamilyCupressaceae
SubfamilySequoioideae
GenusSequoiadendron
Scientific NameSequoiadendron giganteum
Giant Sequoia Trees
Giant Sequoia

Quick Information

Other NamesSierra redwood, Wellingtonia, Big Tree, giant redwood, Sierran redwood
IdentificationSize: 164-279 ft (50-85 m) on average

Needles (Leaves): Spirally arranged on the shoots, awl-shaped, 0.12-0.24 in (3-6 mm) long

Trunk Diameter: 20-26 ft (6-8 m)

Cones: Woody and oval-shaped, 1½-2½ inches (3.8-6.35 cm) in length, brown

Seeds: 0.16-0.20 inches (4-5 mm) in length and 0.039 inches (1 mm) in width, dark brown in color and with a yellowish-brown wing on each side

Tree TypeEvergreen
DistributionWestern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California; also cultivated in western and southern Europe, the North American Pacific Northwest up to Southwest British Columbia, Southern US, New Zealand, Southeast Australia and Southern-Central Chile
HabitatScattered groves in mixed evergreen forests
Varieties
  • Blue
  • Powder blue
  • Compact blue
  • Pendulum or weeping
  • Hazel smith
Hardiness Zones6-8
Growth RateFast
Lifespan1,800-2,700 years
Growing ConditionsSummer Conditions: Summers must be dry with a humid climate

Winter Conditions: Winters must be snowy

Rainfall: 35-55 inches (90-140 cm)

Soil: Alluvial and residual soils with a granitic base

Light: Full to partial sun

Diseases & PestsRoot and heart rot disease, fungal infections caused by Heterobasidion annosum, Armillaria mellea, Poria incrassate and many others
Breeding SystemMonoecious
PropagationBy seeds
Seedling DevelopmentGermination occurs quickly if the conditions are favorable
Wildlife ValueMany birds and animals use this giant sequoia as shelter and a food source
UsesDecay-resistant wood used for plywood, veneer, and lumber; useful as an ornamental tree and sometimes used as a Christmas tree; also used in bonsai
IUCN Conservations StatusEndangered
Giant Sequoia Leaves
Giant Sequoia Seeds
Pictures of Giant Sequoia
Giant Sequoias

Interesting Facts

  • The Giant Sequoia National Monument in California consists of all but one of the giant sequoia groves at the Sequoia National Park.
  • The Mariposa Grove of the Yosemite National Park is the largest giant sequoia grove in the park with many mature individuals.
  • The General Sherman Giant Sequoia tree is the largest giant sequoia by the diameter of its trunk which can be measured at 274.9 feet. It is also the world’s largest tree.

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