Giant Sequoia
Sequoiadendron giganteum · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen Conifer / Ornamental / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Not specific; likely the wild species or common nursery stock based on form
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6 through 9; sensitive to extreme winter cold and high humidity/heat in the Eastern US.
About This Tree
Massive evergreen tree with a distinct conical or pyramidal shape in youth, becoming more rounded with age. Features a very thick, tapered trunk and dense, blue-green foliage arranged in a spiraled pattern.
Leaf Characteristics
Small, scale-like, awl-shaped needles (0.12–0.24 inches long). Arranged spirally on the shoots. Color ranges from deep green to glaucous blue-green. Persistent year-round.
Bark Characteristics
Striking reddish-brown, fibrous, and deeply furrowed bark. Extremely thick (up to 2 feet) and spongy, providing significant fire resistance. Becomes more rugged as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California; adapted to mild, humid climates
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; pollination occurs late winter to spring; cones mature over two years; no true dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is essential. Requires moist, well-draining soil; moderate drought tolerance once established but prefers consistent moisture. Not tolerant of heavy shade.
Mature Size
Can reach 150–250+ feet in height with a spread of 25–60 feet. Growth rate is moderate to fast in ideal conditions. Long-lived, often exceeding 2,000 years.
Special Characteristics
Notable for extreme fire resistance due to thick bark containing tannins. Highly resistant to decay and insects. World's largest trees by volume. High ornamental value in large landscapes.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for large birds and squirrels. Chickarees (Douglas squirrels) eat the scales of the cones to release seeds. Wood and bark are resistant to most pests.