Sequoiadendron giganteum, giant sequoia
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Coniferous Trees

Sequoiadendron giganteum

giant sequoia

Cupressaceae

Western slope Sierra Nevada, California; 4,600–7,050 feet (1,400–2,150 m)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height60–100 feet (18–30 m)
Width20–35 feet (6–10.7 m)
Maturity60 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Sequoiadendron giganteum is a massive evergreen conifer native to the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the largest tree species by volume on earth. Trees in cultivation reach 60–100 feet (18–30 m) tall and 20–35 feet (6–10.7 m) wide in 50–100 years; the largest natural specimens reach 274 feet (83.5 m) with trunk diameters exceeding 25 feet (7.6 m). Growth rate in Pacific Northwest cultivation is 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) per year on good sites. The crown is broadly conical with slightly drooping branch tips. Foliage is scale-like, awl-shaped, blue-green, 0.1–0.3 inch (3–8 mm) long, closely overlapping and spirally arranged, giving branches a rope-like appearance throughout the crown. Bark is very thick, 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) or more on the largest trees, fibrous, deeply furrowed, cinnamon to reddish-brown. Cones are ovoid, 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm) long, green for 2 years before ripening to brown; cones persist on the tree for 20 years or more and open primarily in response to fire or heat. Unlike Sequoia sempervirens, this species does not sprout from the base after cutting.

Native Range

Sequoiadendron giganteum is native to approximately 65 isolated groves on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, California, at elevations of 4,600–7,050 feet (1,400–2,150 m). It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a large specimen tree in parks, institutional grounds, and large-scale landscapes, spaced 25–30 feet (7.6–9 m) from adjacent plants. Eventual height of 60–100 feet (18–30 m) or more in cultivation requires clearance from structures, power lines, and paved surfaces. The cinnamon-red bark and broadly conical crown with rope-like foliage provide year-round identification interest. Not appropriate for standard residential lots.

How to Identify

Sequoiadendron giganteum is identified by its scale-like, awl-shaped, blue-green foliage closely appressed to the stems in a rope-like pattern throughout the crown — including leader shoots, unlike Sequoia sempervirens which has two distinct needle types. The very thick, fibrous cinnamon-red bark is consistent on mature trees. Cones are ovoid, 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm), larger than those of S. sempervirens at 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm). Distinguished from S. sempervirens by the uniformly scale-like foliage, larger cones, and the absence of basal sprouting.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height60' - 100'
Width/Spread20' - 35'

Reaches mature size in approximately 60 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow green

Foliage Colors

blue green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Male strobili are oval, yellow-green, at branch tips, releasing pollen in February–March. Female cones are ovoid, 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm) long, green for the first 2 years, ripening to brown and persisting on the tree for 20 or more years. Cones open primarily after fire or heat exposure. Cone production begins at 20–40 years.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow-green (male strobili)

Foliage Description

blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 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 Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40–80 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate moderate drought once well-rooted. Prefers deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; grows in clay and sandy loam but performs poorly in waterlogged conditions. In Pacific Northwest conditions, the species performs on both sides of the Cascades in well-drained sites. Cold-hardy to approximately −20°F (−29°C). The species does not regenerate from the base after cutting — removal requires full stump grinding. Eventual size of 60–100 feet (18–30 m) or more in cultivation limits appropriate planting sites significantly.

Pruning

No pruning required for natural form. The broadly conical crown develops without intervention. Lower branch removal for clearance can be done at any time but alters the silhouette significantly; the species retains its characteristic profile when lower branches are retained to the ground. Avoid large pruning cuts, which heal slowly. Competing leaders in youth can be reduced to a single dominant leader.

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef