Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum', weeping Giant Sequoia
1 / 2
Coniferous Trees

Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum'

weeping Giant Sequoia

Cupressaceae

Cultivar of horticultural origin; species native to Sierra Nevada, California at 4,600–7,050 feet (1,400–2,150 m)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height20–40 feet (6–12 m)
Width3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m)
Maturity25 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 '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

Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum' is identified by the combination of a strongly pendulous, narrow columnar crown with a dominant upright leader and near-vertically drooping lateral branches, and the same scale-like, rope-patterned, blue-green foliage as the species. Distinguished from Pseudotsuga menziesii 'Pendula' by the scale-like (not flat needle) foliage; distinguished from weeping Sequoia sempervirens forms by the uniformly scale-like foliage and larger cones 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 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 many years. 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

20–30 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; performs poorly in waterlogged conditions. The narrow, weeping crown form is maintained naturally and requires no training after establishment. Each specimen develops a unique sinuous silhouette. Cold-hardy to approximately −20°F (−29°C). Eventual height of 20–40 feet (6–12 m) fits a narrower footprint than the species, but vertical clearance from structures is still required.

Pruning

No pruning is required. The weeping crown form develops naturally. Dead branches can be removed at any time. The dominant leader should not be cut; loss of the leader produces an irregular, multi-stemmed form that does not recover the narrow columnar silhouette.

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic