Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia)

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 around 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 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 is required but it 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.