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| Sequoia sempervirens
California redwoodCulture: Culture: In their native habitat, redwoods grow from southwestern Oregon to central California along a narrow belt of fog that is produced almost nightly from the Pacific Ocean. They prefer deep well drained soils and are often found close to rivers. A Redwood forest is a very quiet and reverent place, well suited to introspection; a humbling and memorable experience. Redwoods are very resistant to most disease and insect problems, but very old specimens may suffer from heart rot. They are long-lived trees, easily living to five or seven hundred years. The oldest specimens recorded were about 2200 years old according to Peattie. The largest specimens have been cut for their valuable timber prior to more recent protection. Significant numbers of this species are in private hands and still supply huge quantities of lumber to this day. The wood is soft, easily worked, free of knots and very rot resistant. New trees may sprout from cut stumps or around the base of their declining "parent". Usage: Although lone specimens in the landscape cannot evoke the same atmosphere of grandeur as those in its natural habitat, the species is cultivated as a landscape plant. The size and vigor of the landscape plant is dependent upon the moisture available and the harshness of the climate. Its large size is suited to large open spaces such as parks or in estate gardens if the optimum cultural conditions are satisfied. |
