Coast Redwood Tree (Sequoia sempervirens)

The coast redwood is the tallest tree on earth. The tallest one growing today stands at a sheer 379 ft, approximately three quarters the size of the space needle in Seattle, WA. They are commonly found along the foggy coasts of northern California, but their habitat range stretches northward into parts of southwestern Oregon. As the global climate changes rapidly, their habitat may become more suitable to the wetter climates of Oregon and Washington. This stand of sequoia and redwood trees are currently growing in the @hoytarboretum in Portland, Oregon!

One of their defining features is their spongy, fibrous red bark that allows them to hold onto moisture and prevent serious damage by wildfires. Ecologically, they share habitats with Douglas fir, Pacific madrone, Western hemlock, and Giant Sequoia trees who have similar environmental requirements. These canopies are critically important for endangered owl species such as the northern spotted owl as well as many other amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptile species.

Coastal redwoods are truly ancient trees that once dominated the canopies of the pacific coast - the oldest recorded coastal redwood tree today is 2,200 years old! Sadly, it is extremely rare and old growth redwood forests have been systematically cleared by European loggers in the 19th century. They have never quite recovered to their original populations due to forest management decisions and the high commercial demand of redwood trees. They are listed as a red list threatened species by the IUCN and it is more important than ever that we protect these forests and put a moratorium on logging of old growth forests.

I don’t think anybody can deny the humbling and awe inspiring feeling of standing under these trees - it’s truly a one of a kind experience. If you live in the Portland area, you need to visit these trees in the Hoyt arboretum.

“The feeling that they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence in awe”. - John Steinbeck