Categories: Cupressaceae

Bigtree (Sequoiadendron giganteum, Amer. J. Bot. 26: 536 (1939))

Family: Cupressaceae

Author: (Lindl.) J.Buchholz

Bibliography: Amer. J. Bot. 26: 536 (1939)

Year: 1939

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sequoiadendron

Vegetable: False

Observations: California (Sierra Nevada)

Description

The Bigtree, scientifically known as Sequoiadendron giganteum, is a towering emblem of nature’s grandeur found in the Sierra Nevada region of California. This magnificent tree belongs to the Cupressaceae family, a group renowned for its resilient and long-lived species.

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly revered for its massive stature, has captured the fascination of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. This species is named fittingly, as it holds the record for the largest tree by volume on Earth. The Bigtree is distinguished by its thick, reddish-brown bark, which is deeply furrowed and spongy to the touch. This unique bark provides a natural fire resistance, a crucial adaptation for survival in its native fire-prone landscapes.

The foliage of the Bigtree consists of small, scale-like leaves that are arranged in dense, spiral clusters along the branchlets. These evergreen leaves persist throughout the year, contributing to the tree’s majestic appearance. The cones of Sequoiadendron giganteum are woody, elongated structures, typically measuring about 5 to 7 cm in length. They play a vital role in the tree’s reproductive process, releasing seeds that are carried by wind to germinate and establish new trees.

In historical and ecological contexts, the Bigtree holds substantial importance. Its discovery and subsequent study were documented in the American Journal of Botany in 1939 by botanist J. Buchholz, who expanded on the earlier work of Lindl. This comprehensive study highlighted the tree’s remarkable physical characteristics and its significant role within forest ecosystems.

Bigtrees serve as critical habitats for various wildlife species and act as natural water regulators in their environments. Their immense root systems enhance soil stability and promote nutrient cycling, benefiting the surrounding flora. These trees are also a symbol of resilience and endurance, often living for thousands of years and withstanding harsh climatic conditions.

In the modern era, Sequoiadendron giganteum remains a focal point of conservation efforts. Protecting these giants is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. Efforts include habitat preservation, curbing deforestation, and addressing climate change impacts to ensure the Bigtree continues to thrive for future generations.

In summary, the Bigtree or Sequoiadendron giganteum stands as a testament to nature’s magnificence and resilience. Its towering presence, ecological importance, and the storied history of its discovery and scientific study invite ongoing admiration and efforts to preserve this natural wonder.

Common Names

Ita: albero del mammut, sequoia gigante, wellingtonia
Eng: bigtree, giant sequoia, sequoia, sierra redwood, wellingtonia, big-tree, giant redwood, giant-sequoia
Hun: hegyi mamutfenyo
Nld: mammoetboom
Deu: mammutbaum, riesen-mammutbaum, riesen-sequoie
Slk: sekvoja mamutia
Fra: séquoia géant, séquoia gigantesque
Spa: arbol del mamut, cedro bastardo, sequoia gigante
Swe: mammutträd
Ces: sekvojovec obrovský
Por: sequóia
Rus: секвойядендрон гигантский (sekvojyadendron gigantskij)
Zho: 巨杉 (ju shan)
Nno: mammuttre
Nob: mammuttre
Cym: cochwydden sierra, welingtonia, welingtoniâu
En: Bigtree, Giant Sequoia, Sequoia, Sierra Redwood, Wellingtonia, Big-tree, Giant redwood, Giant-sequoia, Big Tree
Zh: 巨杉 (ju shan)
Cs: Sekvojovec obrovský
Nl: Mammoetboom
Fr: Séquoia géant, Séquoia gigantesque, Wellingtonia
De: Mammutbaum, Riesen-Mammutbaum, Riesen-sequoie
Hu: Hegyi mamutfenyo
It: Albero del mammut, Sequoia gigante, Wellingtonia, Albero mammut, Grande albero
Nb: Mammuttre
Nn: Mammuttre
Pt: Sequóia
Ru: Секвойядендрон гигантский (sekvojyadendron gigantskij)
Sk: Sekvoja mamutia
Es: Arbol del mamut, Cedro bastardo, Sequoia gigante, Secoya gigante
Sv: Mammutträd
Cy: Cochwydden Sierra, Welingtonia, Welingtoniâu
: Giant sequoia

Synonyms

  • Wellingtonia gigantea (Lindl.)
  • Gigantabies wellingtoniana ((Seem.) J.Nelson)
  • Sequoia washingtoniana (Sudw.)
  • Steinhauera gigantea ((Lindl.) Kuntze ex Voss)
  • Washingtonia gigantea ((Lindl.) Carrière)
  • Wellingtonia pendula (Briolay-Goiffon ex Carrière)
  • Washingtonia californica (Winslow)
  • Washingtonia americana (Gordon)
  • Wellingtonia gigantea var. pendula (Carrière)
  • Taxodium washingtonianum (Winslow)
  • Sequoia gigantea f. pendula ((Briolay-Goiffon ex Carrière) Beissn.)
  • Wellingtonia gigantea pendula ((Briolay-Goiffon ex Carrière) Ed.Otto)
  • Sequoiadendron giganteum f. pendulum ((Briolay-Goiffon ex Carrière) Rehder)
  • Sequoia wellingtonia var. pendula ((Briolay-Goiffon ex Carrière) A.H.Kent)
  • Sequoia gigantea var. pendula ((Briolay-Goiffon ex Carrière) Lavallée)
  • Wellingtonia gigantea pendula-vera (Barron)
  • Sequoia wellingtonia pendula ((Briolay-Goiffon ex Carrière) Sudw.)
  • Sequoia gigantea barronii-pendula (A.Henry)
  • Wellingtonia californica (Sarg.)
  • Sequoia wellingtonia (Seem.)
  • Americus gigantea ((Lindl.) Hanford)
  • Taxodium giganteum ((Lindl.) Kellogg & Behr)

Distribution

  • California (native)
  • Austria (introduced)
  • France (introduced)
  • Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Henri Sussin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 13, 2019 by Antonio Sánchez Morales (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2022 by Axel Prehl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2019 by LucyInTheSky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2019 by Svenn House (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2019 by Nikki Lee-Scowen (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Ernst Fürst (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Easger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Mr. Spruce (cc-by-sa)

Sources

  • WFO (No URL)
  • IPNI (No URL)
  • GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684120)
  • POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:234727-2)
  • PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sequoiadendron giganteum (Lindl.) J.Buchholz)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Description: “”

Sowing: “”

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

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