If you are in love with giant and magnificent trees and want to plant one under your name, then there is nothing better than the beautiful and breathtakingly huge, Sequoiadendron Giganteum.
The giant sequoia, also known as ‘Giant Redwood’ is a majestic evergreen columnar which is sure to spellbind you under its charm. Native to California, this perennial beauty is one of the oldest and biggest living tree specimens on earth and consider an ideal tree to combat climate change.
In this article, we will discuss all the necessary information about this tree, and shed light on how to take good care of it. So, let’s begin.
Sequoiadendron Giganteum Classification
The giant sequoia is classified under the plant family Cupressaceae and the subfamily Sequoioideae. It is further divided into two different types, namely, the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum).
About:
The Sequoiadendron Giganteum is a member of the conifer family and can grow up to a height of 94.7928 m (311 feet). The circumference of its trunk can measure between 24-35.05 m (79-115 feet), making it one of the most massive trees in the world. The average lifespan of this tree is between 2000-3000 years.
The giant sequoia has a reddish-brown bark that is fibrous and deeply furrowed. The leaves are needle-like, about 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) long, and arranged spirally on the shoots. The cones of this tree are ovate-oblong in shape, about 12.19 cm (48 inches) long, and brown in color.
The giant sequoia is an endemic species that is only found in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It grows at an altitude of between 610-2743 m (2000- 9000 feet).
Common Name And Synonym
The Sequoiadendron Giganteum is popularly known as the Giant Sequoia, ‘Giant Redwood’ or the ‘Sierra Redwood’. It is also sometimes referred to as the Wellingtonia gigantea.
Other Type/Clones:
Hazel Smith:
Sequoiadendron Giganteum ‘Hazel Smith’ or Hazelsmith Sequoia is a clone of the giant sequoia. Hazel smith Sequoia was named after the arborist that discovered this specimen in 1955. This tree is also known as the ‘Hazelwood’.
Sequoiadendron Giganteum Pendulum:
Also known as the ‘weeping sequoia’, the Sequoiadendron Giganteum Pendulum is a weeping form of the giant sequoia. It was discovered in 1853 by William Lobb, a plant hunter.
Ecology
The giant sequoia is found in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, at an altitude of between 610-2743 m (2000- 9000 feet). It grows in mixed forests of conifers, oaks, and pines. The giant sequoia requires deep, well-drained soil for its growth.
Cultivation
In many parts of the country, the Sequoiadendron Giganteum is a popular ornamental tree. Many parts of Europe, the Pacific Northwest of North America, southern Australia, and New Zealand, as well as central and southern Chile, effectively cultivate it. It is also grown in the eastern United States but to a lesser extent.
As long as the ground around the tree’s roots is covered in heavy snow or mulch, the tree can resist temperatures as low as 31°C (25°F). The leaves can be damaged by windburn if it is outside their normal range.
Plant breeders in Europe have developed a wide range of horticultural cultivars including a number of different types of blues: compact blues, powder blues, hazel smiths, pendulum—or weeping—varieties, and grafted cultivars.
Wildlife Value
The giant sequoia provides food and shelter for a variety of animals. The bark is thick and spongy and acts as a firebreak, protecting the tree from forest fires. The cones of this tree are the favorite food of the squirrels.
The wood of the giant sequoia is soft and lightweight, making it unsuitable for construction purposes. However, it is often used in the manufacture of pulp and paper.
Features of Sequoiadendron Giganteum Tree
Appearance
It is a massive tree with a big trunk and an umbrella-like crown. It has a reddish-brown bark that is deeply furrowed and fibrous. The leaves are needle-like and arranged spirally on the shoots. The cones of this tree are ovate-oblong in shape and brown in color.
Height
One of the world’s largest trees by volume, Sequoiadendron can grow up to 85 feet in height and girth when matured. The largest Sequoiadendron giganteum ever reported stands at a whopping 311 feet long.
Seeds
The tree produces large seeds that are about 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) in diameter. These seeds are typically dispersed by birds and other animals that eat the cones of this tree.
Foliage
The foliage is made up of needle-like, spirally arranged leaves that are about 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) in length. The bark is fibrous, deeply furrowed, and reddish-brown in color while the cones of this tree are ovate-oblong in shape, about 12.19 cm (48 inches) long, and brown in color.
Growth Rate
The giant sequoia has a growth rate of about 24 inches per year.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of the Sequoiadendron Giganteum is between 2000-3000 years.
Flowers
The flowers of the tree are small and inconspicuous, with male and female cones borne on separate trees.
Uses
The wood of this tree is soft and lightweight, making it unsuitable for construction purposes. However, it is often used in the manufacture of paper and pulp. The bark of this tree has been used for tanning leather and making rope.
Evergreen and Durable
One of the most distinguishing features of the Sequoiadendron giganteum is its evergreen nature. This tree remains green throughout the year and does not lose its leaves in winter.
The giant sequoia is also known for its durability and resistance to fire and insects. This tree can live up to 3000 years, making it one of the longest-living trees in the world.
Dormancy
It is a deciduous tree, meaning that it loses its leaves in winter. However, it does not completely lose all its leaves at once. Instead, the shedding of leaves occurs gradually over a period of time.
This process is known as dormancy and helps the tree to conserve energy during the winter months. During dormancy, the tree will stop growing and remain dormant until spring arrives.
Threats
The biggest threat to the Sequoiadendron giganteum is deforestation. This tree is often logged for its wood, which is used in the manufacture of paper and pulp. Deforestation not only destroys the natural habitat of these trees but also contributes to climate change.
Another threat to the giant sequoia is fire. Although this tree is resistant to fire, the intense heat of a wildfire can damage the tree’s bark and leaves.
Finally, It is also susceptible to diseases and pests. These threats can kill the tree or weaken it, making it more susceptible to fire and wind damage.
Sequoiadendron Giganteum Care
For centuries to come, a giant sequoia tree will be an excellent tree house for your grandchildren. Planting these trees also has the added benefit of being socially and environmentally responsible in the near run as well. With a little care and consideration, you can help this tree to remain for more than 1000 years.
Watering Requirement
The Sequoiadendron giganteum is a drought-tolerant tree and does not require much water once it is established. However, young trees will need to be watered regularly during the first few years of growth.
Fertilizing Requirement
This tree does not require much fertilizer, but you can provide a light feeding in spring if you wish.
Mulching Requirement
Mulching around the base of this tree will help to keep the roots cool and moist.
Light Requirement
This tree needs at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunshine each day to thrive in full sun. However, it can also tolerate some shade, but it can affect its growth.
Soil Requirement
The Sequoiadendron giganteum tree grows best in deep, well-drained soil. Acidic, loamy, wet, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils all support the giant sequoia’s growth. With no flooding and only a little tolerance for drought, this plant loves damp surroundings.
Hardiness Zone:
The giant sequoia tree is hardy in USDA zones six through nine.
Pests And Diseases
This tree is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the roots are allowed to sit in water for extended periods of time.
How To Plant Sequoiadendron Giganteum?
The best time to plant the Sequoiadendron giganteum is in spring or fall. When planting this tree, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball and just as deep.
Once you have dug the hole, backfill it with soil and water it well. After planting, water the tree regularly for the first few weeks to help it establish itself. When watering this tree, be sure to avoid getting the leaves wet as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Conclusion
The Sequoiadendron giganteum is a beautiful and majestic tree that can provide shade and beauty to any landscape. With its long life span, this tree is an excellent choice for those who want to plant trees that will be around for generations to come.
This tree does require some care and attention, but with a little effort, you can ensure that your Sequoiadendron giganteum will thrive for many years.
