Giant Sequoia
Sequoiadendron giganteum · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen Conifer, Ornamental Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None specified (species type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9; prefers regions with dry summers and snowy winters or humid temperate climates.
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived evergreen with a distinctively conical or pyramidal crown that becomes more rounded with extreme age. It features an exceptionally thick, tapering trunk and dense, bluish-green foliage with a heavy, drooping branch structure.
Leaf Characteristics
Awl-shaped, scale-like needles arranged spirally on the shoots; color is typically bluish-green to gray-green; needles are 3-6mm long and persist for several years.
Bark Characteristics
Thick, fibrous, and spongy bark that is reddish-brown in color. It is deeply furrowed and can reach up to 2 feet thick on mature specimens to provide fire resistance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California; adapted to temperate coastal and mountain regions worldwide.
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; flowers (pollen cones) appear in winter/early spring; seeds mature over two years; no true dormancy in mild climates.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun; needs moist, well-drained soil; moderately drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular deep watering.
Mature Size
Can reach heights of 60-275 feet with a spread of 25-60 feet; growth rate is moderate to fast (2 feet per year in youth); lifespan can exceed 3,000 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly resistant to fire due to thick bark; contains high levels of tannin providing resistance to rot and wood-boring insects; extreme longevity and historical significance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides essential nesting sites for birds and squirrels; seeds are a food source for Douglas squirrels and finches; long-term carbon sequestration and stable habitat provider.