Giant sequoia

Short Description

The giant sequoia is an evergreen conifer. It grows up to 50 metres high in Central Europe.

The scale-like needles sit spirally in three rows on the twig. They are bluish green.

The trunk is upright and straight. It widens noticeably near the ground. The bark is cinnamon brown.

There are male and female flower cones. The male flowers are small and yellowish. The female flower cones are larger, green and usually sit singly at the end of a shoot.

The cones are ovate. They are leathery green at first. At maturity they become woody and reddish brown in colour.

In the city

The giant sequoia originally comes from America and was introduced to Europe as an ornamental tree. It is often found as a large solitary tree in parks. Occasionally it is also planted in gardens.