Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood)

The tallest tree in the world, Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood) is a vigorous, densely branched, evergreen conifer of narrow-conical habit adorned with a massive trunk that is flared outward at the base, and a dense conical crown. Young trees have a graceful pyramidal shape with horizontal or drooping branches. As they mature, they begin to lose their lower branches to become tall and straight with a high crown. The flat, bright green needles are soft and arranged in sprays along the stems. The fibrous bark is rich reddish brown and furrowed. The oblong, reddish-brown cones are quite small for such a big tree, 1.25 in. long (3 cm). Spectacular with its huge trunk and neat pyramidal shape, this California and Oregon native may take 400 years to reach maturity. It is extremely long-lived (2000 years!). Many trees have been protected in areas such as Redwood National Park, Muir Woods, and a number of California State Parks. Sequoia sempervirens and its close relative, Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia), are jointly designated as the State Tree of California. Always fresh-looking, and pest-free, Redwoods are magnificent trees that are easy to grow in their native range. Provide plenty of room and adequate moisture throughout the year.

• Grows up to 60-100 ft. tall (18-30 m) and 15-25 ft. wide (4-8 m). In the wild, Redwood can reach over 350 ft. (105 m). This is one of the fastest growing conifers on earth – about 3 ft. per year (90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or light dappled shade in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of wet soils but intolerant of dry soils.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• No pruning is required.
• Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Root softwood cuttings in summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
• Native to moist, foggy, coastal plain areas along the Pacific coast, extending from southern Oregon south to the San Francisco Bay Area.