Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia) Sequoiadendron giganteum
Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia) (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cupressaceae family, native to Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, California. It grows 25–60 m (82–197 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
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Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Mature height | 25–60 m (82–197 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, California |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia)
- How far apart should I plant Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia)?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- Is Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported.
- What grows well with Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Giant sequoia (Wellingtonia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- The most massive tree on Earth; spongy bark up to 60 cm thick shrugs off forest fires. Planted on great estates since the 1850s; only for very large gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis
- Leyland cypress x Cuprocyparis leylandii
- Hinoki cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Northern white cedar (arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis
- Common juniper Juniperus communis