Giant sequoia how tall

Redwoods once grew throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The oldest known redwood fossils date back more than million years to the Jurassic period. Today, the last giant sequoia on Earth live on land about the size of Cleveland 48, acres , in about 73 groves scattered along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

The first widely publicized discovery of the giant sequoia was in , at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. One of these trees, named the Discovery Tree , was unfortunately felled in It was determined to be 1, years old.

Its stump was so large it was used as a dance floor. Some sequoia groves were logged in the late s and early s, but not very successfully. The trees would often shatter when they hit the ground because of their brittleness and great weight. The leftover wood was used mainly for shingles and fence posts, or even for matchsticks, and therefore had little monetary value.

Once Sequoia National Park was established, tourism brought a better incentive to protect the trees. Sequoia are found at elevations of 1,—2, meters 4,—7, feet and can live to be 3, years old! Giant sequoia grow so large because they live a very long time and grow quickly. To thrive, giant sequoia require a great amount of water , which they primarily receive from the Sierra snowpack that accumulates over the winter months and soaks into the ground when it melts.

Because they need well-drained soil, walking around the base of giant sequoia can cause them harm , as it compacts the soil around their shallow roots and prevents the trees from getting enough water. Giant sequoia are generally well able to protect themselves against their natural threats, allowing them to survive for thousands of years.

They are too massive to be blown over in the wind, and their bark is thick and rich in tannins, which protect them against fire and insect damage. Fire is an important element of the giant sequoia forest. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products.

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At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. The Douglas-fir of the Pacific Northwest and the mountain gum of Australia reach maximum heights of and feet, respectively. In diameter and circumference the giant sequoia is probably exceeded by only a single tree.

A tule cypress, far exceeding in size any other of that species, near Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico, has a diameter of This tree, however, is only feet tall.