Sequoia Sempervirens. Coast redwood.
Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the Coast Redwood, stands as one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marvels, predominantly along a narrow stretch of the western U.S. coast from southern Oregon to central California. Towering into the heavens, these majestic giants can reach astounding heights of over 350 feet, making them the tallest trees on Earth. With bark that exudes a rich reddish-brown hue, often deeply furrowed, and needle-like leaves presenting a vibrant green canopy, Coast Redwoods offer a breathtaking visual spectacle and play a crucial role in their ecosystem. Their age-old trunks, spanning over 20 feet in diameter, tell tales of centuries gone by, with some individuals believed to be over 2,000 years old. Living up to their scientific name, “sempervirens,” meaning “evergreen,” these trees persistently retain their leaves throughout the year, providing a lush, perpetual green vista in the forests they dominate.
Apart from their towering stature, the Coast Redwoods are also celebrated for their resilience. Their thick and tannin-rich bark provides a natural defense against fire and pests. Within their embrace, a unique and moist microclimate is formed, fostering the growth of various ferns, mosses, and other understory plants, making the redwood forests a rich reservoir of biodiversity. While logging in the past centuries has significantly reduced their numbers, dedicated conservation efforts today ensure that these magnificent trees, which have silently witnessed the passage of millennia, continue to thrive and inspire future generations.
