Sequoiadendron giganteum
giant redwood
A very large and long-lived evergreen tree that reaches more than 100 metres in height in its natural region of origin. As a young tree it, has a densely branched, conical habit. As the tree matures, the branches are more widely spread and conspicuously downswept. It has sharp, blueish-green, awl-shaped leaves 6-12mm long arranged spirally round the shoots. Upright cones appear after flowering and when ripe, the reddish-brown cones (5-8cm) hang down. Ideally suited to being planted as a specimen in a large park or garden.
Other common names
big treegiant sequoia
see moremammoth tree
Sierra redwood
washingtonia
wellingtonia
Synonyms
Sequoia wellingtoniaSequoia gigantea
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | |||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter | Blue Green | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Sequoiadendron is a tall evergreen tree with soft, red-brown bark, flame-shaped when young, becoming more irregular with maturity. Short awl-shaped leaves are arranged spirally on the shoots, and ovoid cones become red-brown when mature
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- USA (California)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. See conifer cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Root softwood cuttings in summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.