Giant Sequoia California Redwood Tree Seedling

Giant Sequoia California Redwood Trees

Giant sequoias are well-named, being arguably the largest trees in the world. These forest giants are an awe-inspiring sight. They are most famously found in the protected parks of The Golden State, where the giant sequoia serves as one of the state trees. But they can also function in a variety of landscapes — not only a novelty specimen but also a practical and serviceable tree when space allows.

Plant Characteristics 

The Giant Sequoia (Sequoia gigantea [Lindl.] Decn.) and the redwood (Sequoia sempervirens Endl.) are the last surviving species of the rather large genus Sequoia that grew over much of the Northern Hemisphere during ancient geological times. Only two other species of trees closely resemble them—the bald cypress of our Southern States and the cryptomeria of Japan.

The giant sequoia reproduces only from the seeds that older trees rain down annually by the million. In spite of such a generous seed crop, the chances of an individual seed to germinate, survive, and grow into a mature tree are less than one in a billion, owing to the difficult growing conditions created partly by the Sequoias themselves.

A deep forest duff, heavy shade, and severe root competition take such a large toll of the relatively few seeds which germinate that it is only those in the most favorable sites that survive the first year or two. For normal growth the sequoia seed must germinate and develop in a continuously moist but well drained soil with plenty of direct sunlight.

Shipping

Your tree will be approximately 3 to 5 inches in height with well-developed roots.  These starter plants have been growing in 4” containers, but will be shipped without them. The roots will be protected with some soil and sealed in a plastic bag. They are ready to plant up in arrival.