Giant Sequoia
Sequoiadendron giganteum · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Conifer, Large Estate/Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6–9; prefers cool, moist summers and snowy winters.
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived evergreen with a distinct conical/pyramidal shape when young (as seen in the image). It features a dense, rounded crown with slightly drooping branches and a very thick, tapered trunk at maturity.
Leaf Characteristics
Small, scale-like, awl-shaped needles (1/8 to 1/2 inch long) arranged spirally on the shoots; blue-green to dark green color that persists year-round; leaves are sharp to the touch.
Bark Characteristics
Deeply furrowed, spongy, and fibrous; reddish-brown in color; can grow up to 2 feet thick on mature specimens, providing excellent fire protection.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA.
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; pollination occurs in late winter/early spring; cones mature over two seasons.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun; requires deep, well-drained soil with consistent moisture, especially during the first few decades of establishment; moderate drought tolerance once mature.
Mature Size
60–275+ feet tall, 25–60 feet spread; moderate growth rate in youth, slowing with age; can live for over 3,000 years.
Special Characteristics
World's largest tree by volume; exceptionally fire-resistant bark; resists most insects and fungal diseases; highly valued for its grand ornamental stature in large landscapes.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for large birds of prey; Douglas squirrels (chickarees) feed on the cone scales, helping to release the seeds; essential component of the Sierra Nevada forest ecosystem.