The towering trees of California are a source of both wonder and occasional confusion, particularly when distinguishing between redwoods and sequoias. These two magnificent species, often conflated due to their impressive stature and shared “redwood” moniker, possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding these differences helps clarify which tree holds various size records and where each naturally thrives.
Distinguishing the Trees
Two main species are discussed: the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). While both belong to the cypress family (Cupressaceae), they have clear distinctions. Coast Redwoods typically have deeply furrowed, reddish-brown bark that is fibrous to the touch. Their needles are flat and arranged in two rows along the branchlets.
Giant Sequoias, conversely, feature reddish-brown bark that is notably spongy, ridged, and significant thickness. Their leaves are small, awl-shaped, and tightly packed around the shoots, giving them a scaly appearance. Their cones also differ: Coast Redwoods produce small, woody cones, while Giant Sequoia cones are at least twice as large.
The Size Comparison
Each species excels in different size metrics. Coast Redwoods are renowned as the tallest living trees on Earth. The current height record holder is Hyperion, a Coast Redwood in Redwood National Park, measuring 116.07 meters (380.8 feet) tall. Several other Coast Redwoods also exceed 110 meters (360 feet).
In contrast, Giant Sequoias hold the title for being the most massive trees on Earth by volume. The General Sherman Tree, a Giant Sequoia in Sequoia National Park, is the largest by volume, containing an estimated 1,487 cubic meters (52,508 cubic feet) of wood. While not as tall as the Coast Redwood, General Sherman stands approximately 83.8 meters (275 feet) tall with a base diameter of 7.7 meters (25 feet). Their immense trunk circumference and sustained wood growth throughout their long lives contribute to this bulk.
Geographical Homes and Lifespans
Coast Redwoods and Giant Sequoias have distinct natural habitats, influencing their growth and longevity. Coast Redwoods thrive in a narrow band along the Pacific Coast, extending from southwestern Oregon to central California. These trees depend on the cool, moist, and foggy maritime climate, found within 30 miles of the coastline and up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) elevation. Coastal fog provides essential moisture during dry summers.
Giant Sequoias, on the other hand, are found in scattered groves on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Their elevation range is higher, from 1,400 to 2,150 meters (4,600 to 7,050 feet). Both species are exceptionally long-lived; Coast Redwoods can live for over 2,000 years, some exceeding 2,200. Giant Sequoias are also ancient, with oldest known specimens reaching over 3,200 years.
Conservation and Future
Both Coast Redwoods and Giant Sequoias face conservation challenges, despite protected status in national and state parks. Historically, extensive logging significantly reduced old-growth forests, leaving only a fraction of their original extent. Today, climate change poses a significant threat, increasing temperatures, reducing coastal fog for redwoods, and decreasing snowpack for sequoias.
Wildfires, exacerbated by drier conditions and fire suppression, are a major concern, particularly for Giant Sequoias. Recent severe fires have killed an unprecedented number of mature Giant Sequoias, with an estimated 19% of all mature trees lost between 2020 and 2021. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining groves, managing forests to reduce fuel loads via prescribed burns, and studying their resilience to a changing climate.