The coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is an iconic species of the Pacific coast. In the right conditions these are the world’s tallest trees, growing over 300 feet high and stabilized by wide-spreading roots. Though they do not tend to get as big in urban areas, young trees still grow 3-5 feet per year and need plenty of room to grow upwards.
Young trees have dense branches and a graceful pyramid shape. Leaves are needle-like and spread out flat on either side of branched, drooping limbs. The beautiful red bark is fibrous and shreddy, providing interesting visual texture and soft nesting material for birds and small mammals. Birds find refuge in the dense foliage, squirrels nest in cavities, and insects and amphibians make their homes in the moss-covered branches.
These large trees require a lot of water to stay healthy. They do best (and grow the biggest) in humid areas protected from the wind, and prefer deep, moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Plant these magnificent trees well away from structures and power lines where they have room to safely attain their glorious size.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Water Requirements: Moist
Ease of Growing: Easy to grow
Growth Rate: Fast
Spreads: No
Wildlife Support: Birds or Mammals
Mature Height: 150 feet (in urban/inland areas)
Mature Width: 50-100 feet