Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Redwood) is an evergreen tree that is only found natively on the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in California, United States. Giant Redwoods are the largest trees in the world by weight, are fast growing and have been known to live beyond 3000 years. The species is popular with bonsai enthusiasts and in ornamental gardens.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Sequoiadendron giganteum is also commonly known as the Giant Sequioa and Sierra Redwood. They only occur naturally on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of California.
Giant Redwoods are listed as endangered species with fewer than 80,000 trees remaining. In 2021, an assessment concluded that up to 13,500 trees were destroyed in wildfires during 2020 and 2021.
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Growth
Sequoiadendron giganteum is a large evergreen tree that grows to a height of up to 90 m (295ft) and a width of up to 20 m (65ft). It is a fast-growing species that achieve 60cm (2 feet) per year in height.
Young Giant Redwoods will adapt with shaded locations, but older trees prefer and thrive in full sun. Seedlings are best planted into their permanent positions prior to reaching 50cm (2 feet) tall. Foliage is harsh to the touch and emits a scent like that of Aniseed.
Giant Redwoods can take just twelve years to begin producing cones. The cones take two years to mature on the tree and can remain there for up to 30 years.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Cupressaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-30 to 30°C / -25 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but does not like boggy or clay soils that retain excess moisture.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 90 metres (295 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 20 metres (65 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
15-20 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
55-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 24 hours
Cold Stratification for 8 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
190
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 10 years.
FACTS ABOUT SEQUOIADENDRON GIGANTEUM (Giant Redwood)
Sequoiadendron giganteum is the not the tallest tree species in the world but is largest in size and can weigh up to 2000 tonnes. The trunks can reach a staggering diameter of up to 8 metres (26 feet) wide.
A large specimen can have as many as 11,000 cones and can disperse up to 400,000 seeds per year. The seeds are winged and can fly as far as 180 metres (590 feet) from the parent tree.
Due to the woods brittle nature it is not used commercially as a lumber source. The species is named in honor of the Cherokee Chief Sequoyah.
There are several parks and gardens in Australia that grow Giant Redwoods that are available for the public to view. These include the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in Victoria, the nearby township of Daylesford in Jubilee Park and at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve and in Cook Park in the town of Orange, New South Wales. Some of the specimens in Ballarat are around 150 years old while two in the Victorian town of Jamieson were said to be planted around the early 1860s, making them over 160 years old.
For further information about Giant Redwoods click here.
