Redwood trees, known for their impressive stature, do grow in Oregon. The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is native to the state, representing the northernmost extension of the vast redwood forests primarily found in California. While not as widespread in Oregon as further south, their presence contributes to the unique biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest.
Coast Redwoods in Oregon
The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is the only redwood species native to Oregon. These trees naturally extend their range from northern California into the extreme southwestern part of Oregon, forming the state’s rarest forest type. They typically reach about 10 to 25 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.
Oregon’s Coast Redwoods are predominantly found on mountainous slopes, differing from their California counterparts that often grow in river bottoms. This means the redwoods in Oregon tend to be somewhat smaller than the most colossal specimens found further south.
Environmental Requirements for Growth
Coast Redwoods thrive in a moderate, wet, and mild maritime climate, characterized by consistent moisture. Annual precipitation in their natural range varies, with most rainfall occurring during the winter months.
Frequent coastal fog is important for Coast Redwood survival, particularly during drier summer periods. This fog provides moisture through “fog drip,” where water condenses on the tree canopy and drips to the roots below. The humidity from the fog also reduces water loss from the trees through evaporation. Temperatures remain mild year-round, averaging between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They do not tolerate prolonged freezing temperatures well.
Coast Redwoods prefer moist, well-drained, and acidic soils. They are found on soils derived from marine sediments like sandstone, limestone, slate, and chert. Optimal growth occurs in deep soils found on benches along large streams, moist coastal plains, and valleys that face the ocean, which provide the consistent moisture levels they need.
Differentiating Redwood Types
The term “redwood” can refer to several species, but it is important to distinguish between them when discussing their native presence in Oregon. The two primary species often confused are the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). While both are impressive conifers with reddish-brown bark, only the Coast Redwood grows natively in Oregon.
Coast Redwoods are the tallest trees globally, possessing slender trunks and reaching heights of over 380 feet. Their foliage consists of flat, needle-like leaves arranged in two ranks along the stem, appearing dark green. The cones are relatively small, measuring about 0.8 to 1 inch in length.
In contrast, Giant Sequoias are known for their massive volume and wider trunks, though they are shorter than Coast Redwoods, reaching up to 311 feet. Their leaves are scale-like and awl-shaped, appearing blue-green, and their cones are significantly larger, ranging from 2 to 3.5 inches long. Giant Sequoias are native exclusively to the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountains in central California, thriving in a different climate with hot, dry summers and heavy winter snowpack.