Redwoods, including the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), are among Earth’s tallest trees. While Washington State has impressive conifer forests, redwoods are not native to the region, though individual specimens have been successfully planted.
The Native Range of Redwoods
Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are found along the Pacific coast from central California to southwestern Oregon. They thrive in a maritime climate with moderate temperatures, heavy winter rains, and consistent summer fog.
Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) grow in scattered groves on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, typically at 4,000 to 8,000 feet. They experience dry summers and significant winter snowfall. Washington’s climate and soil conditions, with colder, wetter winters and different soil structures, do not align with the requirements for these species to establish natural, widespread forests.
Redwood Plantings in Washington
Redwoods have been planted in various locations throughout Washington State. They are often found in public parks, university campuses, and arboretums, serving as ornamental or educational specimens. These plantings show redwoods can grow in Washington’s environment, though they do not form the widespread groves seen in their native ranges.
Public sites with planted redwoods include the University of Washington campus in Seattle and the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia. The Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park features Coast Redwoods and Dawn Redwoods. Efforts are also underway, such as in the Southworth Forest near Port Orchard, to plant Coast Redwoods.
Distinguishing Redwoods from Washington’s Native Giants
Many large conifers in Washington, such as Douglas firs, Western Red Cedars, and Sitka spruces, can be mistaken for redwoods due to their impressive size. However, visual characteristics help differentiate these species.
Coast Redwoods possess thick, fibrous, reddish-brown bark that can be soft to the touch and up to 12 inches thick. Their needles are flat, about half an inch to an inch long, and typically arranged in feathery sprays. Their cones are small, about 0.5 to 1.1 inches in length.
Giant Sequoias feature reddish-brown bark that is notably spongy, ridged, and very thick, sometimes exceeding two feet in depth. Their needles are small, scale-like, and bluish-green, often appearing awl-shaped. The cones of Giant Sequoias are larger than those of Coast Redwoods, typically measuring two to three inches long.
In contrast, Washington’s native giants like Douglas firs have deeply furrowed bark and cones with distinctive three-pronged bracts, while Western Red Cedars have stringy, peeling bark and small, oblong cones. Sitka spruces are identified by their purplish-gray, scaly bark and sharp, stiff needles.