Sequoiadendron spp.
Overview
Sequoiadendron spp. is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the cypress family containing a single living species, the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Mature trees reach 165-280 feet (50-85 m) tall with trunk diameters of 20-26 feet (6-8 m). The trunk is columnar and buttressed at the base, clad in fibrous, reddish-brown bark 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) thick. The crown is conical in youth, becoming rounded and irregular with age as lower branches are shed. Foliage consists of awl-shaped, scale-like leaves 0.1-0.25 inch (3-6 mm) long, blue-green, arranged spirally and overlapping along the shoots. Seed cones are egg-shaped, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) long, maturing over two seasons and often remaining green and closed on the tree for up to 20 years. Trees grow slowly to moderately after establishment and can live more than 3,000 years. Heat from fire opens the cones and clears competing vegetation for seedlings. The shallow, wide-spreading root system leaves large specimens prone to windthrow on exposed sites, and mature trees decline under prolonged drought.
Native Range
The single living species is native to a limited range on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California, occurring in about 75 disjunct groves between 4,600 and 7,000 feet (1,400-2,150 m) elevation. It grows in mixed conifer forest on moist, well-drained granitic soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen and avenue tree in large parks, arboreta, and estates in temperate regions, spaced at least 30-50 feet (9-15 m) from structures and other trees. The eventual size leaves it unsuited to small gardens. Outside its native range it is grown in western Europe and the Pacific Northwest.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height165' - 280'
Width/Spread30' - 60'
Reaches mature size in approximately 100 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
As a conifer, Sequoiadendron spp. produces pollen and seed cones rather than flowers. Pollen cones release pollen in late winter to early spring, typically February through April. Seed cones take two seasons to mature and may persist closed on the tree for up to 20 years, opening after fire or drying.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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