Sequoia sempervirens, Coast Redwood
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Coniferous Trees

Sequoia sempervirens

Coast Redwood

Cupressaceae

Coastal California and southwestern Oregon; sea level to 3,000 feet (900 m) within the coastal fog belt

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height60–100 feet (18–30 m)
Width15–25 feet (4.6–7.6 m)
Maturity60 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Sequoia sempervirens is a massive evergreen conifer native to the coast ranges of California and southwestern Oregon, the tallest tree species on earth. Trees in cultivation reach 60–100 feet (18–30 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.6–7.6 m) wide in 50–100 years; the largest natural specimens exceed 380 feet (116 m). Growth rate in Pacific Northwest cultivation is 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) per year on good sites. The crown is narrowly conical to columnar, often with multiple competing leaders in youth. Needles on leader shoots are scale-like and spirally arranged; needles on lateral branches are flat, linear, 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) long, arranged in two flat ranks giving a feathery appearance, dark green above with two white stomatal bands below. Bark is very thick, 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) or more on mature trees, fibrous, deeply furrowed, reddish-brown — providing exceptional fire resistance. Cones are small, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) long, ovoid. Unlike Sequoiadendron giganteum, this species sprouts readily from the base after cutting or fire damage. Foliage is toxic to horses and possibly other livestock.

Native Range

Sequoia sempervirens is native to a narrow coastal belt from southwestern Oregon south to central California, at elevations from near sea level to 3,000 feet (900 m), within the fog belt of the Pacific coast. It is native to southwestern Oregon at the northern limit of its range. It is not native to the Puget Sound region or interior Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen tree, screen, and grove in large-scale landscapes with adequate moisture, spaced 15–20 feet (4.6–6 m) from adjacent plants for screening. Eventual height of 60–100 feet (18–30 m) in cultivation requires siting away from structures and power lines. The species grows well in Pacific Northwest west-side conditions and is planted as a landscape tree throughout the Willamette Valley and Puget Sound lowlands, though it is not native to these areas. Do not plant where horses have access to foliage.

How to Identify

Sequoia sempervirens is identified by two distinct needle types: scale-like spirally arranged needles on leader shoots, and flat, linear needles 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) long arranged in two flat ranks on lateral branches, dark green above with white stomatal bands below. The very thick, fibrous, reddish-brown bark, small ovoid cones 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm), and base-sprouting habit distinguish it from Sequoiadendron giganteum, which has scale-like needles throughout, larger cones 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm), and does not sprout from the base.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height60' - 100'
Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 60 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow green

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
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Spring
Male strobili are small, yellow-green, releasing pollen in February–March. Female cones are ovoid, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) long, ripening from green to brown in the first season, opening to release many small winged seeds. The small seed size results in low germination rates in cultivation; the species reproduces more reliably by basal sprouting.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow-green (male strobili)

Foliage Description

dark green above, two white stomatal bands below

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40–80 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate moderate drought in fog-influenced coastal conditions but require supplemental irrigation in drier inland sites. Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; tolerates clay but performs poorly in waterlogged conditions. Growth is fastest in mild, moist west-side Pacific Northwest conditions; the species performs less well in hot, dry inland sites. The species tolerates coastal salt spray and wind on established trees. Basal sprouts develop at the base of the trunk; remove or retain as desired. Do not plant where horses have access to foliage.

Pruning

No pruning required for natural form. Multiple competing leaders in youth can be reduced to a single dominant leader to maintain a cleaner silhouette. Basal sprouts can be removed as desired or allowed to develop into multi-stemmed clumps. Lower branch removal for clearance can be done at any time. Avoid heavy pruning of the dense foliage interior, as regrowth from bare old wood is slow.

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans