Also known as Coast Redwood and Californian Redwood. This tree is one of many in the gardens, recognised by its height and spongy fire-resistant bark. It needs to be fire-resistant coming originally from California but needs fire to clear the ground cover and the heat causes sprouting and a large release of seed-containing cones. The seeds then fall to the ground and have no competition. Clever!
Similar trees live for up to 2000 years and are the tallest on Earth. Its ability to re-sprout from its root crown when felled, have earned the species the label of "carbon-sequestration champion”. It was imported into Britain in the 1850s. The species sequoia was named after Sequoyah, a Cherokee Indian who invented the Cherokee written language.
Country of origin
Pacific coast, North America
Credits
The 'Trees at Jephson's project' has been delivered by Warwick District Council. With the kind sponsorship of Leamington Town Council and the Leamington Society.