The terms “sequoia” and “redwood” are often confused, frequently used interchangeably to describe some of the world’s largest trees. They are distinct species with unique characteristics and habitats. Understanding their botanical relationships and individual traits clarifies their distinctions. This article explains their scientific classification and defining features.
The Redwood Tree Family
The trees commonly referred to as “redwoods” belong to the subfamily Sequoioideae, part of the broader cypress family, Cupressaceae. This lineage includes three living species: the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), and the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). The Coast Redwood and Giant Sequoia are native to North America, while the Dawn Redwood is indigenous to central China.
Giant Sequoias Defined
Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are the most massive trees on Earth by volume. They have distinctive reddish-brown, fibrous bark up to two feet thick, providing fire protection. Their leaves are small, scale-like, and tightly pressed, giving a rope-like appearance. Cones are egg-shaped, 1.5 to 3 inches long, and can remain on the tree for up to 20 years.
They grow exclusively in groves along the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, thriving at elevations between 4,500 and 7,000 feet. Many live for over 3,000 years, making them among the oldest living organisms.
Coast Redwoods Defined
Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are the world’s tallest living trees, often exceeding 300 feet. They have slender trunks compared to Giant Sequoias, with dark reddish-brown, deeply furrowed bark. Their needle-like leaves are arranged in flat sprays, helping them capture moisture from fog.
They thrive in the moist, temperate climate of the Pacific Coast, from central California into southern Oregon, depending on coastal fog for hydration during dry seasons. They can also sprout new trunks from dormant buds in burls on their base or trunk, especially after damage.
Distinguishing Giant Sequoias from Coast Redwoods
Giant Sequoias and Coast Redwoods, while both redwoods, have several clear distinctions. Coast Redwoods are known for extreme height, while Giant Sequoias are known for immense trunk circumference and volume. Their habitats also differ: Coast Redwoods are found in the coastal fog belt, while Giant Sequoias are confined to Sierra Nevada mountain groves.
Leaves also differ: Coast Redwoods have flat, needle-like foliage, and Giant Sequoias have small, scale-like leaves. Coast Redwood bark is dark and deeply ridged, contrasting with the thick, reddish, fibrous bark of Giant Sequoias. Cones also vary: Coast Redwood cones are small (0.75-1 inch), and Giant Sequoia cones are larger and egg-shaped (1.97-3.54 inches).