The largest tree species on Earth by volume — General Sherman in Sequoia National Park weighs an estimated 1,400 tons. Giant sequoias depend on fire to release their seeds and clear competing vegetation.

Also called: Sierra Redwood, Giant Redwood

Native status: Native; endemic to Sierra Nevada

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 50–85 m (165–280 ft); trunk diameter 6–8 m
WeightLargest trees by biomass on Earth
LifespanUp to 3,200 years verified
OrderPinales
FamilyCupressaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Sequoiadendron giganteum is a species of coniferous tree, classified in the family Cupressaceae in the subfamily Sequoioideae. Giant sequoia specimens are the largest trees on Earth. They are native to the groves on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California but have been introduced, planted, and grown around the world.

Source: Wikipedia — Sequoiadendron giganteum Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive single-trunked conifer with red-brown fibrous bark.

Similar species. Coast Redwood (taller, narrower). Bristlecone Pine (much smaller).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Fire-dependent. Bark to 90 cm thick. Reproduces only by seed.

§ Range

Western Sierra Nevada of California

§ Habitat

Mid-elevation Sierra Nevada slopes (5,000–7,000 ft)

§ Threats

High-severity wildfires (made worse by fire suppression and climate change), drought stress, public-use trampling at root zones.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the giant sequoia is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support good-fire management. Stay on designated trails near groves. Donate to Save the Redwoods League.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Save the Redwoods League
  • National Park Service
  • IUCN Red List 2013