Giant sequoia. A truly colossal evergreen tree to 325’ tall with the most massive trunk in the world--to 30’ in diameter. Standing in a grove of these trees, geologic time begins to make sense. Much more cold tolerant than coast redwood, it is more successful in colder interior climates than near the coast. Grows much slower than coast redwood and requires less water. A strongly pyramidal habit with prickly bluish-green or olive green foliage. The cones are reddish-brown to 4” long. Bark is similar to redwood, fluted and ruddy-brown. Deep-rooted and does best in protected spots with full sun and deep, rich, moist soil. Discovered in Calveras County by a gold miner chasing a bear. Occasional water. Hardy to 0F. Western slopes of Sierras, Placer and Tulare counties at 4,000-8,000 ft.
