Giant Sequoia
Sequoiadendron giganteum · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Conifer, Forest Tree, Specimen Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type, no specific cultivar noted
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8
About This Tree
Massive columnar tree with a thick, tapering trunk, reddish-brown fibrous bark, and an open, rounded crown at maturity with pendulous branchlets
Leaf Characteristics
Awl-shaped, scale-like dark green leaves that are spirally arranged and clasp the stem tightly, remaining on the tree for several years
Bark Characteristics
Deeply furrowed, spongy, reddish-brown fibrous bark that is fire-resistant and can become quite thick on mature specimens
Growing Information
Origin Region
Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, USA
Growing Season
Evergreen year-round with active growth peaking in spring and summer; produces cones maturing over two years
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; requires moderate moisture during establishment but appreciates deep soil moisture and tolerates periodic dry spells once mature
Mature Size
Can reach heights of 150 to 250 feet or more with a spread of 30 to 60 feet; extremely long-lived, often exceeding thousands of years
Special Characteristics
Exceptional resistance to fire, wood-boring insects, and fungal decay due to high tannin content; massive timber value historically
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites and cover for various forest birds and small mammals; contributes to the complex old-growth forest ecosystem