The terms “Redwood” and “Sequoia” are often used interchangeably, causing confusion about these two impressive tree species. The “Redwood” typically refers to the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), while the “Sequoia” generally denotes the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Both belong to the cypress family (Cupressaceae) but are members of different genera. Their differences extend from their geographical habitats to their overall shape and size, which is important for understanding the unique ecological roles and physical characteristics.
Geographical Separation
The natural habitats of the Coast Redwood and the Giant Sequoia are geographically separate and defined by different climate requirements. The Coast Redwood thrives in a narrow, humid belt along the Pacific coast, extending from central California up to southwestern Oregon. This species is highly dependent on persistent summer fog, which provides necessary hydration during the drier months. Coast Redwoods are typically found at lower elevations, ranging from sea level up to about 3,000 feet.
In contrast, the Giant Sequoia is native exclusively to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. These trees grow in specific groves at much higher elevations, generally between 4,600 and 7,000 feet. The Giant Sequoia’s ecosystem is characterized by dry summers and cold, snowy winters, relying on substantial mountain snowpack for its water supply. The two species’ ranges do not naturally overlap, meaning a person would need to travel hundreds of miles inland.
Key Visual Differences
The most immediate differences between the two trees are found in their foliage, bark, and cones.
Foliage
The Coast Redwood has flat, needle-like leaves arranged in feathery, flattened sprays. They are often dark green above with two distinctive white bands underneath, designed to capture moisture from the coastal fog. The Giant Sequoia’s foliage consists of small, blue-green, scale-like leaves pressed tightly against the branch. This arrangement gives the branchlets a dense, rope-like appearance.
Bark and Cones
The bark of the two species also provides a clear distinction. Coast Redwood bark is dark reddish-brown, deeply furrowed, tough, and fibrous, sometimes reaching a thickness of over a foot. The Giant Sequoia bark is a brighter cinnamon-red color and is noticeably more fibrous and spongy to the touch. It can be significantly thicker, sometimes reaching up to three feet near the base, which provides excellent insulation and fire resistance.
The cones differ dramatically in size. The Coast Redwood produces very small cones, typically about one inch long, which are about the size of a large olive. The Giant Sequoia cone is much larger, measuring between two to three inches long, and is woody and egg-shaped.
Defining Metrics: Size and Lifespan
Confusion often centers on which tree is the “biggest,” requiring a distinction between height and volume. Coast Redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth, with the tallest known individual, Hyperion, measuring over 380 feet. Their trunks are generally more slender, maintaining a straight, conical shape as they ascend.
Giant Sequoias are recognized as the world’s largest trees by volume or total wood mass. The most massive individual, the General Sherman Tree, stands at about 275 feet. Its immense girth gives it the largest known bole volume of any living single-stem tree. The Giant Sequoia trunk is characterized by a dramatic, heavily buttressed base that flares outward, creating a massive, wide profile.
While both species are exceptionally long-lived, the Giant Sequoia generally achieves greater ages, with some specimens documented to be over 3,000 years old. Coast Redwoods are also ancient, commonly living for over 2,000 years.