Sequoiadendron

Sequoiadendron is a genus of evergreen conifers in the family Cupressaceae. It contains one living species, Sequoiadendron giganteum, the giant sequoia, previously classified as Sequoia gigantea. The name combines Sequoia—named for Sequoyah, the inventor of the Cherokee syllabary—with dendron, Greek for “tree.” Giant sequoias are among the world’s largest trees by volume.

Distribution and habitat: Endemic to a narrow belt of the western Sierra Nevada in California, they occur mainly in protected groves on western slopes at elevations around 1,300–2,000 meters, where deep, well-drained soils and substantial snowpack support growth. Fire historically aided regeneration by clearing competition and opening cones.

Description: Mature individuals reach 50–85 meters tall and 6–8 meters in trunk diameter, with some specimens exceeding these dimensions. They have very thick, cork-like bark up to 30 centimeters and a massive trunk. By volume, giant sequoias are the most massive living trees.

Reproduction and ecology: Cones are elongated and seed release is stimulated by heat from fire. Seedlings establish best on mineral soil in open, disturbed sites; fire regimes historically maintained groves. The species relies on periodic disturbance to regenerate.

Conservation: The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Threats include drought, climate change, and increased fire intensity. About half of remaining groves lie within protected areas such as Sequoia National Park and the Giant Sequoia National Monument, with management aimed at fire and habitat preservation.