Sequoiadendron giganteum
Giant sequoia · also Giant redwood, Sierra redwood, Wellingtonia
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Giant Sequoias are the most massive trees by volume, native to California's Sierra Nevada. These coniferous trees are known for their fire-resistant bark and impressive longevity, often exceeding 3,000 years. Although their wood is not ideal for construction, they are widely planted as ornamental trees in suitable climates.
Where it grows
Trees in each city's inventory, with the share of that city's named trees this species accounts for.
- 8440.46%—36 in
- 5420.05%—7.6 in
- 850.04%—25 in
- 770.03%23 yr9.8 in
- 530.15%—61 in
- 320.20%4.3 yr17 in
- 240.01%35 yr14 in
- 200.01%—3.0 in
- 100.04%—15 in
- 80.01%23 yr47 in
- 70.01%—31 in
- 60.01%——
- 40.00%—18 in
- 10.00%——
Traits
- Form
- Conifer
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Mature height
- 50–311 ft
- Canopy spread
- 30–50 ft
- Lifespan
- 3200 years
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Soil
- Moist, Nutrient-rich
- Water needs
- High
- Drought tolerance
- Low
- Wildlife value
- Moderate
- Fire risk
- Low
Trunk diameters across every city: median 23 in, mean 27 in, 90th percentile 56 in. Measured at breast height, as published by each inventory.
Native range
Terrestrial ecoregions where this species is native. Trees in the dataset mostly stand well outside it.
Temperate Conifer Forests
- Sierra Nevada forests