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Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum', weeping Giant Sequoia
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Coniferous Trees

Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum'

weeping Giant Sequoia

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

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

Key Features

Deer ResistantDrought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum' is weeping giant sequoia, an upright weeping evergreen coniferous tree growing 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall and only 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide. Blue-green awl-shaped scale-like foliage on rope-like pendant branchlets cascading from a sinuous upright trunk. In Cupressaceae. Pendulum = weeping. The trunk wanders and curves unpredictably — no two specimens look alike. The extremely narrow footprint (3-6 feet / 0.9-1.8 m) fits spaces where the species (60+ feet / 18+ m wide) cannot. Cinnamon-red spongy fire-resistant bark. Most specimens are grafted. Species native to the Sierra Nevada, California. No significant pest or disease issues. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 6-9. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Cultivar of horticultural origin. Species native to the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, California, at 4,600-7,050 feet (1,400-2,150 m) in approximately 70 scattered groves.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a narrow weeping specimen in residential gardens, spaced 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) from adjacent plants. Extremely narrow footprint. No two specimens alike. Non-toxic. Not suitable for containers. Zones 6-9.

How to Identify

Identified by a narrow sinuous weeping trunk with blue-green rope-like pendant branchlets and cinnamon-red spongy bark. The extremely narrow weeping form (3-6 feet / 0.9-1.8 m wide) and the sinuous unpredictable trunk path distinguish 'Pendulum' from the massive upright species. In Cupressaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

blue green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Not applicable — conifer. Monoecious. Yellow-green male strobili at branch tips in February-March. Ovoid brown cones 2-3 inches (5-7 cm), persisting on branches.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Blue-green, awl-shaped scale-like, 0.1-0.3 inch (3-8 mm), tightly appressed in spirals on rope-like pendant branchlets; the foliage hangs in cascading curtains from a sinuous upright trunk

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
Drainagewell 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

Full sun (6-12 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.0. Drought-tolerant once established. Most specimens are grafted — protect the graft union. No pruning needed. The sinuous trunk path is unpredictable. No significant pest or disease issues. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 6-9.

Pruning

No pruning needed. The natural sinuous weeping form develops without intervention. Do not attempt to straighten the trunk — the unpredictable growth path is inherent to the cultivar.

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic