Sequoia Tree vs. Redwood: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

Few tree species inspire the same awe as the Sequoia and Redwood. Their massive size makes them seem otherworldly. Both are part of the Cupressaceae family, where you’ll find many named specimens. For example, the largest Sequoia trees bear the names of famous Americans, such as Lincoln and General Grant. On the other hand, Redwood trees have monikers such as Paradox and Icarus.

These trees may be related, but there are stark differences between the two. They range from varying heights, habitats, and uses. However, both are classified as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Our guide will explore each one in detail with information that will give you a new respect for these giants of the forest.

Overview of Sequoia Tree

The scientific name for the Sequoia is Sequoiadendron giganteum. It’s a useful starting point for distinguishing the two species. It literally means giant Sequoia, which is an apt description, given its size and stature. Somewhat confusingly, it also goes by the name Redwood because of the color of its bark. However, a close look at the two reveals visible differences.

It’s worth noting that both the Sequoia and the Redwood are the only living representatives of their respective genera. A fascinating fact about the former is its lifespan. Some examples are thousands of years old, with each one carrying a living history of the continent under its bark.

Size and Shape

Many trees have a distinctive shape that can help you identify them from a distance. The Sequoia is the largest by volume between the two. It has a massive trunk, with circumferences over 100’ of some of the more famous examples. Unlike many trees, it doesn’t taper much toward the top, which accounts for the high estimated weights.

The height of the Sequoia can measure anywhere from 60’-275,’ the tallest one on record. It has a spread of up to 60’. The texture of its reddish-brown wood is coarse. While young trees are vulnerable to fire, the larger Sequoia trees are both decay and fire-resistant. It’s an excellent adaptation to an environment where fires occur frequently.

Habitat

The habitat of the Sequoia and Redwood differ dramatically. The former prefers the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Full sun and well-drained soils make for an ideal environment. The tree exhibits several adaptations to handle frequent fires. The canopy with smaller branches and foliage is at the top of the tree to protect it from damage. It also grows rapidly to safeguard its vulnerable parts.

You won’t find stands of Sequoia trees in their native habitat. They exist either as sole members of a plant community or in small groups. The availability of natural resources undoubtedly plays a role in its distribution.

Foliage, Cones, and Seeds

The foliage of the Sequoia more closely resembles the needled evergreen that it is. It is non-flowering. The cones and their seeds provide the means of reproduction. The cones are massive in size, like the tree itself. They are much larger than those of the Redwood and are equally as awe-inspiring. The tremendous heat from fires often causes an increase in seed production, another useful adaptation.

Overview of Redwood

The scientific name for the Redwood is Sequoia sempervirens, which means always flourishing. We can only hope that it’s aptly named, given its conservation status. The genus name, Sequoia, is a tribute to the Native American inventor, Sequoyah, who created the Cherokee alphabet or syllabary in the early 1800s. It is a fitting name for a tree of similar prominence.

Unlike the Sequoia, the Redwood is known only by this name, often with a descriptor preceding it. There’s little chance of confusing the two upon closer examination. They differ in just about every way, with their large size being the one common denominator that they share.

Size and Shape

What the Sequoia has in volume, the Redwood matches with height. Many examples are well over 300’ H. However, there’s a limit to how big they can get, as it simply becomes too difficult for the trees to carry on photosynthesis and transpiration. Unlike the Sequoia, the Redwood has a more slender profile that tapers to the top.

The diameter of the largest Redwood trees can top 15’. But the Sequoia has it beat, with measurements pushing 30’. Like the Sequoia, though, Redwoods are also long-lived, with lifespans in hundreds of years.

Habitat

The habitat for Redwoods is well-defined and differs sharply from the Sequoia. This tree prefers the Pacific coastline in northern California. Its range is limited to a 450-mile swath starting from southern Oregon and reaching down to the San Francisco Bay area. It thrives in this temperate rainforest climate with cool temperatures and well-drained soils.

Foliage, Cones, and Seeds

The Redwood is also a needled evergreen with flat, softer needle leaves resembling those of Spruce trees. It is also a non-flowering plant. It reproduces like other evergreens, with seeds originating from their cones. The Redwood differs from many of its kind in that it can also propagate from cuttings. That makes sense, given its growth pattern and habitat.

Guide to Sequoia and Redwood Trees

Both trees are mammoth in their proportions. They share similar characteristics as hardy species with wood that is decay resistant. They are also well-adapted to each of their niches. However, their long lifespans and massive size work against them when it comes to reproduction and viability. Their unique qualities also play a role in how people use and value these trees.

Cultivation

Both the Sequoia and Redwood trees have protected status in the United States if just for their stature and longevity. Few species share this kind of reverence. Of the two, the Sequoia is more of an ornamental tree, despite its resistance to rot and disease. Many countries across the world have cultivated them for this purpose, where they have the same protected status.

On the other hand, the Redwood serves more utilitarian purposes as lumber. It yields attractive wood that is both straight and knot-free. Their smaller girths make them easier to harvest than the Sequoia. It is lightweight and fire-resistant, which are also desirable qualities for these purposes. A first-growth Redwood is virtually non-existent as a result.

Future Status

Sequoias and Redwoods have stood the test of time like no other. They have adapted well to the pressures that their habitats throw at them. The fact that neither has any significant disease or pest issues are other points in their favor. Perhaps the most insurmountable obstacle is their size. Both require a large space that may put them in conflict with humans. However, both are well-armed to meet this challenge.

Conclusion

The Sequoia and Redwood are magnificent trees and worthy of respect if just for the time they have lived on the planet. Each one has made the most of evolution and their adaptations in order to continue to thrive for decades and centuries to come. Perhaps John Steinbeck framed it best when he said, “The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always.”

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Featured image credit: Pixabay