Giant Sequoia
Sequoiadendron giganteum · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen, Ornamental, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Common (Wild Type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9; prefers climates with cool summers and humid winters.
About This Tree
The world's largest tree by volume, featuring a massive, tapered trunk and a dense, broadly conical crown that becomes rounded with age. Branches are generally horizontal to slightly drooping.
Leaf Characteristics
Small, scale-like, awl-shaped needles that are bluish-green, 3-6mm long, and arranged spirally on the shoots. They are sharp to the touch and provide dense coverage.
Bark Characteristics
Thick, fibrous, reddish-brown bark that is deeply furrowed and spongy; can grow up to 2 feet thick in old specimens, providing fire resistance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA; widely planted in the Pacific Northwest and Europe.
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; cones take approximately 18-20 months to mature; no dormancy period in temperate climates.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun; needs moist but well-drained soil; requires significant water during establishment and deep watering during droughts.
Mature Size
Can reach 60-275 feet in height with a spread of 25-60 feet; growth rate is moderate to fast (2 feet per year when young); lifespan can exceed 3,000 years.
Special Characteristics
Extremely fire-resistant bark; highest longevity of any conifer; significant historical and cultural importance as a 'living fossil'; valuable for carbon sequestration.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides essential nesting habitat for large birds and owls; seeds are a food source for Douglas squirrels and various finches; thick bark offers habitat for specialized insects.