Sequoia sempervirens
coastal redwood
A fast growing, very large and long-lived evergreen tree/conifer that can grow to 120 metres in its natural region of origin. It has striking thick, fibrous, soft and spongey reddish-brown bark and slightly drooping branches with dark green linear needle-like leaves that are arranged in two rows. Small hanging brown cones are produced after inconspicuous flowers. Ideally grown as a specimen in a large park or garden. Saplings are especially sensitive to frost.
Synonyms
Taxodium sempervirens
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Sequoia is a tall and fast-growing evergreen tree with attractive, reddish-brown fibrous bark, and yew-like foliage arranged in two ranks on the shoots; cones are small, reddish-brown when mature
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to light dappled shade. See conifer cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Root softwood cuttings in summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required, but it is one of the few conifers that is suitable for coppicing, or that will make new shoots from the base if cut down
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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