The sequoia is a magnificent tree found only in a few areas of the world. The first two species are found in the western region of the United States, while a third is found in parts of Asia. To recognize a sequoia, it is common practice to start observing the size of the tree when it is fully grown, but there are other unique characteristics that distinguish this plant as well. Keep reading.
Steps
Step 1. Find your location on a map to check which redwoods are common in that area
Giant sequoias (English name Giant Redwoods) were discovered in the Sierra Nevada and can also be found in national parks throughout California. The evergreen sequoia (English name Coast Redwoods) is the tallest and is only seen along the California coast. Metasequoia (English name Dawn Redwoods) is found mainly in remote areas of China.
Step 2. Look at the tree from a distance
The trunk should have a conical shape if it is the giant sequoia. In contrast, the evergreen is taller and leaner, with a straight trunk.
Step 3. Observe the thickness and flaking of the bark
It is relatively thick and even reaches 60 cm in adult trees. It is a protection of the tree from fire and insect infestations. The bark of the giant sequoia is usually spongy, while that of the evergreen is more fibrous.
Step 4. Take a piece of bark
In these trees, the outer bark peels off easily and reveals a soft, fibrous layer beneath the surface.
Step 5. Examine the needles of the shaft
The two types of redwoods found in California are evergreen, with two different types of leaves, depending on the species. In the evergreen sequoia they are flat, with soft needles similar to the yew tree. The giant sequoia has much shorter, more pointed needles, clustered on each branch, and resemble those of the cedar or juniper.
Step 6. Evaluate pine cones based on shape and size
Although sequoias are the largest trees in the world, their pine cones are relatively small in size. Most are 2.5cm long with a cone shape and a notch in the center. Inside the pine cone there are 1-2 dozen small seeds so small that it would take more than 100,000 to reach the weight of 500 gr. Young trees can sprout from seeds that are scattered or from the roots of adult trees.
