Giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park. League staff photo.
California's enormous giant sequoia is the world's most massive tree and one of the oldest - most giant sequoias are 2,000 to 3,000 years old. The oldest recorded tree is over 3,200 years old. The giant sequoia can grow to be more than 250 feet tall (about 25 stories) with trunks as wide as 30 feet. Once more common, the earth's last giant sequoia forests comprise a mere 37,000 acres in 75 groves. Located along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains between 4,500 to 7,500 feet in elevation, the giant sequoia groves are priceless relics from the past.
Giant sequoias live a very long time and grow quickly, which is the reason for their massive size. In order to thrive, a giant sequoia needs moist, well-drained soil and lots of water. They require thousands of gallons of water each day and get most of it from snowmelt that has soaked into the ground. They are strong and hearty trees, yet compaction of the shallow roots by people and animals walking too near has damaged more than one lofty monarch.
The bark of the giant sequoia can be up to two feet thick, keeping the tree cool in summer and protecting it from cold, wind, and snow in winter. The bark, which has almost no combustible resins, also protects the tree from wildfires. Tannins in the bark and compounds in the richly-colored heartwood protect the wood from rot. A fallen monarch can remain on the ground for many centuries after the tree dies. These resilient trees can sprout new branches after losing as much as 95% of their foliage from fire and continue to live and grow for centuries. Naturally occurring fires that create large openings in the forest (more than two acres) allow successful establishment of young giant sequoias - some may even become the monarchs of the future. Over the years, fire suppression has encouraged the growth of a dense, brushy understory and reduced the likelihood of giant sequoia reproduction.
Famed for their stature, many giant sequoias were named for Civil War leaders and generals. Three of the largest giant sequoias are in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks:
We encourage you to donate to Save the Redwoods League to help protect these magnificent trees.
Walk Among Giants Online Photo Contest: Enter our photo contest to raise awareness of the world’s tallest trees to new heights! California residents, enter by July 23, 2009, for a chance to win great prizes. Non-California residents, vote for the winners from August 3 to September 7, 2009.