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Gerald L. Klingaman
Cupressaceae
Sequoia sempervirens
Redwood
This majestic evergreen conifer is the tallest tree in America and popular for landscaping in the far western United States. Famous for its red, rot-resistant wood, it is native to the Pacific Coast of northern California and extreme southern Oregon. It rapidly forms a tall narrow pyramid of dark-needled, fernlike boughs with slightly drooping branches. The buttressed trunk is sheathed in spongy, reddish brown, fire-resistant bark. Small pendulous cones are carried at the branch tips.
This giant prefers the cool moist conditions of the Pacific coastal ranges but tolerates inland summers if provided adequate moisture. Plants are prone to suckering at the base, especially if they are limbed up. They are best left low-branched to prevent suckers and shade the root zone. These trees have a wide-ranging network of surface roots that are vulnerable to overheating and that can inhibit the growth of neighboring plants. Consider this a fine shade tree and an excellent choice for a tall screen. Plants are happiest in groves of three to five with irrigation and thick mulch.
9 - 1
7 - 9
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
Full Sun, Partial Sun
70'-365' / 21.3m - 111.3m
20'-50' / 6.1m - 15.2m
Western United States, California
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam
Very Fast
Average Water
Pyramidal
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
None
Brown
Dark Green
Sienna
No
Yes
Fine
Matte
Fissured
Feature Plant, Shade Trees
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