redwood
Sequoia sempervirens

Redwood is generally believed to be the tallest tree species in the world. It grows in a high humidity climate, along the coast of northern California, and this partly accounts for its size and longevity. Redwood has high timber value. Redwood forests are also appreciated for their recreational value.

 Click to see more images.
Light Water
Growth   Size
Timber Value

      Redwood is commonly used for lumber, poles, siding, furniture, veneer, and turning.
Wildlife Value
      Endangered marbled murrelets and northern spotted owls rely on redwood forests. Pileated woodpeckers often nest in both decayed and undecayed redwoods.
          Attracts: woodrats, other small mammals, elk, deer, woodpeckers, owls, marble murrelets
Regeneration methods
      Redwood's excellent shade tolerance and fast growth allow for successful regeneration by all methods. Redwood also stump sprouts prolifically. Small clearcuts (30-40 acres) are most commonly practiced.
Fun facts
Redwood wood is of very high quality, straight grain, rot resistant and knot free. Virgin stands can be seen in the Redwood National Park. Trees can live for more than 2000 years.
Sequoia after Sequoiah, son of a British merchant and Cherokee woman. sempervirens Latin "semper" (always) and "vivere" (to live) - evergreen.
Home - Sequoia sempervirens I.D. Fact Sheet - US Forest Silvics - Additional silvics - VT Dendro

2004 Virginia Tech Forestry Department, all rights reserved. Text, images, and programming by: Dr. Jeff Kirwan, Dr. John R. Seiler, John A. Peterson, Edward C. Jensen, Guy Phillips, or Andrew S. Meeks.

questions, comments, and criticisms: email John.Peterson@vt.edu