Giant Sequoia
Sequoiadendron giganteum · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood, Needleleaf
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen Conifer, Forest Tree, Ornamental Specimen
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6-8; adaptable to parts of Zone 9 if moisture and humidity are sufficient.
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived evergreen with a distinct conical profile and a dense, rounded crown that becomes more irregular with extreme age. It features thick, downward-sweeping branches with upturned ends and a heavy, tapering trunk.
Leaf Characteristics
Small, awl-shaped, scale-like needles (0.12–0.24 inches long). They are bluish-green in color, spirally arranged on the shoot, and evergreen. They have a sharp tip and a cord-like texture.
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown, fibrous, and exceptionally thick (up to 2 feet in mature wild specimens). It is deeply furrowed with long vertical ridges and has a soft, 'spongy' feel when pressed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, USA; adapted to cool, moist temperate climates worldwide.
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; active growth occurs from late spring through summer. Cones take 18-20 months to mature but remain on the tree for years.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun. Requires deep, well-drained, consistently moist soil. Low drought tolerance when young, but becomes more resilient with age. Prefers high humidity.
Mature Size
Mature height of 60-200 feet (cultivated) to 250+ feet (wild). Spread of 25-50 feet. Moderate growth rate when young. Can live over 3,000 years.
Special Characteristics
Fire-resistant bark; contains high levels of tannins which provide extreme resistance to rot, fungal disease, and insects. Famous for being the world's largest tree by volume.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for large birds and owls. Seeds are a food source for Douglas squirrels and finches. The cones often require the heat of fire or the boring of the Long-horned beetle (Phymatodes nitidus) to release seeds.