Giant Sequoia
Sequoiadendron giganteum · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen, Conifer, Specimen Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9; susceptible to branch dieback in extreme cold or high humidity.
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived evergreen with a distinct conical or pyramidal crown that becomes more rounded/irregular with extreme age. It features a thick, tapering trunk and down-sweeping branches.
Leaf Characteristics
Small, scale-like, awl-shaped needles (0.12-0.24 inches long) arranged spirally on the shoots; bluish-green to deep green in color.
Bark Characteristics
Very thick, fibrous, and spongy; reddish-brown in color with deep longitudinal furrows and ridges; highly fire-resistant.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, USA; widely planted in the Pacific Northwest and Europe.
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; produces pollen cones in late winter and seeds in woody cones that can remain on the tree for decades.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is required for optimal growth. Prefers moist, well-drained soils; moderately drought-tolerant once established but performs best with consistent deep moisture.
Mature Size
Can reach heights of 150-280 feet (shorter in urban settings) with a spread of 25-60 feet; growth rate is fast in youth, slowing with age; can live over 3,000 years.
Special Characteristics
Extreme fire resistance due to thick bark containing tannins; monumental size; high timber value (though now protected); notable for being the world's largest tree by volume.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for large birds of prey; seeds are eaten by Douglas squirrels and certain specialized beetles (Phymatodes nitidus) which help release seeds from cones.