WSU Clark County Extension
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Giant Sequoia

Scientific name: Sequoiadendron giganteum
Taxonomy
Family:Taxodiaceae
Type:Coniferous trees
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:250 ft
Width:50 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Forming a huge tree in the Northwest landscape, Giant Sequoia features thick heavy limbs and could grow to 250’ in height. In the world of biology it is often called the largest living thing on earth.

  Morphology:
The giant sequoia is a columnar or cone-shaped tree losing its lower branches and becoming flat-topped with age. As the tree matures it will shed the lower limbs forming a long straight trunk with a pronounced basal swell. The foliage consists of awl-like or scale like leaves which turn red in the fall as they age. New growth however is gray-green and healthy appearing.

Cones are egg-shaped and 3” long. They can remain on the tree for up to 20 years.

On older trees the bark can become very thick with deep ridges.

  Adaptation:
This species does best in deep, well drained soils in full sun to partial shade. They are commonly found on the west side of the Cascade Mountains where the summer temperatures are cooler.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234