Alphabetical Plant Listing

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia)

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


The largest tree in the world, Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia) is a vigorous evergreen conifer adorned with a massive fluted trunk, covered with thick, reddish-brown bark, and a dense conical crown. Young trees have a beautiful, broad-pyramidal shape with branches that droop at the ends. As trees mature (after a century of growth), they begin to lose their lower branches to become tall and straight with a high crown. The blue-green needles are awl-shaped, slightly appressed, and arranged spirally round the stems. The spongy bark is rich reddish brown, ridged and furrowed, and can be 12 in. thick (30 cm) or even thicker on mature trees. Quite small for such a big tree, the ovoid, reddish brown cones, 2 in. long (5 cm), have thick woody scales that are swollen at the edge. Spectacular with its huge red trunk and neat pyramidal shape, this California native is long-lived (2000-3000 years!). Most Giant Sequoias in California are now protected in parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Sequoiadendron giganteum and its close relative, Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood), are jointly designated as the State Tree of California. Giant Sequoia is a popular, large ornamental tree in moist, cool temperate climates along the Pacific Coast and around the world. A single specimen is quite an imposing sight.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 60-275 ft. tall (18-82 m) and 25-60 ft. wide (8-18 m). The Giant Sequoia is the fastest growing conifer on earth - about 4 ft. per year (120 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or light dappled shade in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils. Avoid heavy clays.
  • Virtually pest free. Keep an eye out for honey fungus.
  • No pruning required but will respond well to pruning back into older wood.
  • 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 California.

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
Heat Zones 4 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Sequoiadendron - Redwoods
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 60' – 275' (18m – 82m)
Spread 25' – 60' (7.5m – 18m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, California
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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Andreas C. Fischer / Dmitry Naumov / Shutterstock, (c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
Heat Zones 4 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Sequoiadendron - Redwoods
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 60' – 275' (18m – 82m)
Spread 25' – 60' (7.5m – 18m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, California
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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