The three species of sequoia
Have you decided on a sequoia tree in your garden? The choice is far from over, because the genus Sequoia occurs in three different species:
- as a primeval sequoia tree
- as a coastal sequoia
- as a Bermudian tree
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The primeval sequoia
You may have come across the primeval sequoia (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) in parks. In contrast to its conspecifics, it “only” reaches a height of 40 meters and is often planted as an ornament in public gardens because of its easily malleable branches. The primeval sequoia comes from China, where it presumably existed before the dinosaurs lived. It has now spread around the globe and has adapted best of all three species to the German climate. You can plant it outdoors after the first winter. Since it converts large amounts of carbon dioxide, it represents an interesting future object for the economy. It is quite natural that Metasequoia glyptostroboides will lose its needles in autumn and should not worry you.
The coastal sequoia
In terms of height, the worldwide record holder with 115.55 meters is currently a representative of the coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). You will certainly be tempted to impress your neighbors and visitors with such an amazingly large plant. However, the evergreen giant with its extensive roots takes the place of other plants, so that a coastal sequoia would probably be the only growth on your property.
The mountain sequoia
The mountain sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) has a beautiful reddish wood (also known as redwood) and dark green needles. In contrast to the coastal redwood, strong needle shedding is natural in this species. It also shows less growth, but forms significantly thicker stems. It is native to the snow-capped mountains of California, where it reaches a maximum height of 90 meters. In local climes, however, this is rarely to be expected due to the climatic conditions. Trees that are still young form a pyramidal crown that later changes to a cone shape.
