Sequoiadendron giganteum

Common Names

Giant Sequoia, Sierra Redwood, Giant Redwood, Wellingtonia, Big Tree, Sequoia

Summary

Giant sequoia is a native evergreen conifer from the Sierra Nevada in California. It typically grows with a single trunk, often buttressed, reaching 60–275 ft tall and 25–60 ft wide; among the most massive trees, it features cinnamon-brown bark with deep furrows, blue-green needle leaves, and cones up to 2.5 inches long; its life expectancy is 2000–3000 years.

It prefers moist, deep, loose, well-drained sandy loams in full sun, tolerates some light shade, avoids heavy clays, and favors cool, moist climates; requires ample space due to its size and is commonly planted in parks and large landscapes, where it is celebrated as California's State Tree.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

250-275 ft

Spread

25-60 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Deep, well-drained sandy loams or loamy soils

Soil Drainage

Deep, well-drained sandy loams.

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Bloom Time

Does not bloom

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green (evergreen; no fall color change)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Rapid early height growth, typically 0.5–0.7 m per year, slowing with age.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, other pollinators, and birds