N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 • A R B O R D AY. O R G
Giant Sequoia Sequoiadendron giganteum
This is not your ordinary backyard tree, but that is part of the giant sequoia’s charm. Although sequoias are huge in their natural habitat in California, those in landscape situations grow fairly slowly and will be much smaller for many human lifetimes. The longevity, beauty, and fame of sequoia combine to make it an interesting specimen tree anywhere space, climate, and soil conditions allow. In the wild, sequoias can be found in only about 75 groves in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains within a very limited range of less than 36,000 acres. Planted specimens, however, are now growing successfully throughout the world.
overlapping on lower part of twig, but individually protruding 1/8 to ¼ of an inch near the end of the branch.
CONES: Reddish-brown, egg- or
PLANTING: Suitable in hardiness
barrel-shaped, with pitted scales. About 2 to 3½ inches in length.
LEAVES: Awl-shaped, evergreen needles that are bluish-green in color. Tightly packed and
BARK: Reddish-brown and spongy
in texture. Becomes thick and deeply furrowed with age.
FORM: A very large tree at maturity, eventually reaching 100–200 feet in height. A single, straight trunk that flares at the base, with a relatively narrow and triangular crown, especially when young.
WILDLIFE VALUE: Primarily
used for shelter. White-headed woodpeckers and flickers nest in the tree’s cavities. Mature cones are eaten by chickarees.
To purchase or learn more about this tree and others,visit arborday.org/giantsequoia.
zones 6–8 in large spaces that are free of overhead wires. Prefers full sun and acidic soil that is deep, moist, and well-drained.
Scan to go directly to the giant sequoia in our online Tree Nursery.
Engaging Students and Protecting Waterways in Michigan
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We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!
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TREE CAMPUS® K–12
50131801