Record details

Common tree name

Wellingtonia

Species Name

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Description

This tree doesn’t yet look that big, but Wellingtonias are the most massive trees in the world. Look at the leaves, they spiral round the twigs. Introduced into England in 1853 and named Wellingtonia after the Duke of Wellington who had died in 1852. In the USA it was almost called ‘Washingtonia’. After race to name the ‘big trees’ discovered in Californian Seirra Nevada hills, Cornishman William Lobb, raced back home with the seeds and beat the Dr Kellogg of California Academy of Science. Due to their great spanning diameter, it was possible to build tunnels through the tree trunks wide enough for a horse and carriage.

Country of origin

California, Northern 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.