The genus Sequoia - the Redwoods
Evergreen trees growing to a great size: the two species associated in this genus are quite distinct from other conifers and from each other. The leaves are flat in a two-ranked arrangement in one species (S. sempervirens), and awl- shaped and spirally arranged in the other. Cones globular, pendulous with persistent woody scales. Bark thick, soft and fibrous.
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Sequoia gigantea, Decaisne (S. wellingtonia Seemann)
Wellingtonia, Big Tree
Sometimes assigned to the genus Sequoiadendron Buchholz to emphasize its marked difference from the next species. Native in a restricted region on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada where it reaches a height of over 300 feet and girth of 90 feet. These are amongst the largest and oldest living things in the world, individuals of over 4,000 years being recorded. Introduced into this country in 1853, it has been easily grown as a specimen tree and planted in avenues. It is hardy only in the milder districts of this country. The timber is soft and useless.
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Sequoia sempervirens, Endlicher
Californian Redwood
Native to North California and Southern Oregon where it attains a height of over 300 feet. It yields a most valuable timber. Introduced into this country in 1846, it has been much grown in the milder areas as specimen trees in parks and gardens. This tree has a remarkable habit of developing suckers at its base, a form of vegetative reproduction unusual in conifers.