Giant Redwood Sapling (Bonsai)

The Giant Sequoia Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly called the giant redwood or Wellingtonia, appears on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as “Endangered”. This classification indicates the species is at very high risk of extinction in its natural habitat.

Historical logging and continued habitat destruction are the main causes of the giant sequoia’s endangered status. Conservation work continues, but these magnificent ancient trees still face challenges from climate change, disease, and forest fires. Safeguarding their natural environments and cultivating your own specimens are vital actions to guarantee Sequoiadendron giganteum survives for coming generations.

Growing rapidly to heights exceeding 30m (100ft), these massive conifers develop into truly impressive specimens. The Wellingtonia displays a characteristic narrow conical form with a pointed crown, featuring beautiful reddish-brown bark that catches the light beautifully at sunset.

Giant Sequoia Sequoiadendron giganteum – A massive, long-living evergreen that can exceed 100m in height. This endangered species benefits from conservation through home cultivation. Once widespread across Europe and Asia, their final natural population survives on California’s west coast, where wildfire and changing climate pose ongoing risks.

These trees are becoming more popular across Britain and can be spotted throughout most regions in both private gardens and public areas. The tallest specimen in Britain is a 150-year-old tree in Scotland, standing over 55m tall. They regularly appear in lists of the country’s largest, tallest, oldest and most substantial trees.

Giant Sequoia Sequoiadendron giganteum boasts numerous remarkable achievements:

1. Massive Size: Giant sequoias rank amongst Earth’s largest living things, with certain specimens growing to incredible heights exceeding 300 feet (91 metres).

2. Ancient Age: Though not quite as old as bristlecone pines, giant sequoias remain amongst our planet’s most ancient trees, with some estimated at over 3,000 years old.

3. Greatest Volume: For pure bulk, the giant sequoia stands alone. Its enormous trunk and substantial branches create remarkable girth and tremendous overall mass.

4. Volume Champion: California’s Sequoia National Park houses the “General Sherman” tree, which holds the record for largest tree by volume at roughly 52,500 cubic feet (1,487 cubic metres).

5. Biggest Base: The “General Grant” tree in Kings Canyon National Park, California, known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree”, ranks as the second-largest by volume but has the greatest base circumference at about 107 feet (32.6 metres).

6. Largest Collection: Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest contains a major concentration of giant sequoias and represents one of the most famous and extensive collections of these magnificent trees.

These achievements make Sequoiadendron giganteum a truly remarkable species, drawing nature lovers and conservation work to protect these incredible giants for future generations.

Wellingtonia Sequoiadendron giganteum has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

🇬🇧 Grown from seed at our tree nursery in Euxton, Lancashire.

This is a young sapling, usually 12 months old depending on the season. We don’t suggest planting this outside straight away, they will do better being grown on in a pot for a year or two. It is essential to shield from frost. Supplied in a 9cm pot.

Hardy throughout Britain and northern Europe (-20C to -15C) once established.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres