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Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum'
weeping Giant Sequoia
Cultivar of horticultural origin; species native to Sierra Nevada, California at 4,600–7,050 feet (1,400–2,150 m)Learn more
Overview
Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum' is a narrowly columnar to serpentine weeping cultivar of giant sequoia with strongly pendulous branches. Trees reach 20–40 feet (6–12 m) tall and 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) wide at maturity; growth rate is 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per year. The crown form is unique and highly variable: a single dominant leader grows upward, often in a slightly irregular or sinuous path, while lateral branches cascade near-vertically downward, creating a narrow column of drooping foliage. No two specimens develop an identical silhouette. Foliage is the same as the species — scale-like, awl-shaped, blue-green, 0.1–0.3 inch (3–8 mm) long, closely overlapping and spirally arranged in a rope-like pattern. Cones are ovoid, 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm) long, persisting on the tree for many years. Bark develops the same fibrous, cinnamon-red character as the species. Multiple clones are sold under this name, accounting for variability in crown form.
Native Range
The species 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). The cultivar 'Pendulum' was selected in horticulture; the species is not native to the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen tree and focal point in residential gardens and parks, spaced 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) from adjacent plants given the narrow 3–6 foot (0.9–1.8 m) spread. The narrow footprint fits sites where the full-size species is not appropriate. The unique, variable weeping silhouette provides strong year-round structural interest. The cinnamon-red bark and blue-green rope-like foliage are effective at all seasons.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Colors
Bloom Information
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 many years. Cone production begins at 20–40 years.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow-green (male strobili)Foliage Description
blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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