Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sierra Redwood)


Michael's Opinion

If ample space is available, this is an amazing tree to grow. Since it is native to the west coast of Canada it is not hardy in southern Ontario. However, it will grow in a container and there are more tolerant cultivars available to try.

Botanical Information

FamilyTaxodiaceae
GenusSequoiadendron
Speciesgiganteum
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginWestern United States of America.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b - 7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6a - 6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-21 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)-5 - 5
Height20 - 100 m
Spread5 - 30 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeUse as a specimen conifer where there is room to ascend and spread.
PropagationBy seed requiring no pre-treatment.
PestsNo serious pests or diseases to note.
Notable SpecimensNiagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, England.
HabitatDense and pyramidal-oval in youth, losing its lower branches with a narrow- pyramidal crown of foliage.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSpongy in texture and rich reddish brown, quite thick as a form of protection against fire.
Leaf DescriptionBlue-green needles vary in length from 2 -10 mm and are usually awl shaped, triangular in cross section, tapering from the base to a fine point. They point forward toward the apex, covering the stem longitudinally in 3 spiralling rows.
Flower DescriptionMale flowers are axillary and terminal with numerous spirally arranged stamens; female flowers are terminal with 15 - 20 peltate scales.
Texture DescriptionMedium textured.

Photographs