Giant Redwood
equoiadendron giganteum
The Giant Redwood is also commonly referred to as Wellingtonia.
This potentially massive conifer may be readily identified in maturity by its soft reddish brown stringy bark and dark evergreen foliage but can be easily confused with the similar Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). Wellingtonias are native to mountainous sites in western North America and were only discovered by white settlers in the mid 19th century; the first seeds being introduced to the British Isles in about 1853. In the UK, the largest trees are now over 30m tall but Wellingtonias can grow to be the most massive single stem trees in the world as well as being amongst the tallest and longest lived at over 3,000 years.
Click here to view some facts about the largest known Wellingtonia in California, named ‘General Sherman’.
Situation
Although not native to this country, Wellingtonias are quite common throughout the British Isles and have grown vigorously since their introduction. They were typically planted in woods and larger parkland settings and two fine examples, both over 30m tall can be seen in the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, near Brockenhurst - click here to view the Forestry Commission website link.
Season/Life cycle:
| Flowers | Leaves | Fruit |
|
March / April small and insignificant |
All year Awl shaped scales, dark green and lasting all year, shedding after four years growth. |
Numerous small oval shaped cones, each containing up to 300 seeds. There may be as many as 10,000 cones on a single large tree. |
Uses:
The Redwood has been used in North America for building materials such as shingle roofing and fence posts but in this county is planted for it’s statuesque shape and monumental size.
