20. Sequoia sempervirens, Coast Redwood

 

Sequoia sempervirens, tree, leaves and open cone

Coast Redwood tree, awl shaped leaves

 

20. Coast Redwood, Sequoia sempervirens

Artist’s Note:

Sequoia sempervirens, lives up to its name as it is evergreen. This iconic conifer is native to foggy coastal areas of California and Oregon. The beautiful coast redwood shares its species with the giant sequoia and the dawn redwood. It is the tallest tree in North America; one specimen measures 115 meters (379 feet). A complex biodiversity of plants, animals, and lichens—          enormously important to the environment—shelter under its canopy.

The red shaggy bark, soft green flat needles and small egg-shaped open cones make this tree visually distinctive. The trunks contain what are called “adventitious” buds, which stimulate new growth when prompted by environmental stimuli such as fire. In ancient forests it is common to see a ring of new trees surrounding a burned-out stump. 

 

Vulgo: Coast Redwood

 

Name: Sequoia sempervirens

 

Family: Cupressaceae

Habit: Tree

Height: 60 -300 ft (18 -115 M)

Native to: Coastal California and Oregon

 

Leaf type: Simple, linear

 

Shape: Awl-like

 

Margin: Entire

 

Venation: Parallel

 

Surface: Waxy

 

Size: 1 in (2.5 cm)

 

Arrangement: Alternate