The Coastal Redwood Tree
Sequoia Sempervirens Makes a Fine Landscape Specimen
Many are surprised to find that the grand Redwood tree of California is a useful landscape specimen for utility,dependability and beauty.
The grandeur of the coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) remains with those who venture into her forest, and those who ponder photographs which reveal the true scale of the species. Yet, few people realize that this magnificent species is one of the finest trees for home landscaping – if their climate zone is not too cold. The coastal redwood is one of the favorite trees of Sacramento area landscape designers.
The misconception as to the usefulness of Sequoia sempervirens in the landscape is due to the ultimate height. It is indeed the tallest tree in the world- towering over 300 feet. But it doesn’t get there overnight. In fact, Julius Caesar would have to be alive today to see a coastal redwood mature from his youth.
Even the tree’s botanical name hints of its longevity and sturdiness. Sequoia sempervirens; Sequoia, in honor of Sequoyah, the half-breed Indian chief who formulated an alphabet for his tribe, and sempervirens, from the Latin meaning “ever living”.
The redwood, once established, is seldom killed by insect or disease. In fact, no major wood-rotting fungi attack this tree. This is why redwood is a superior building material, and also the reason people cringe, when they get the bill for their new redwood deck. In the wild forest fire poses the greatest threat to the species, although mature trees with foot thick fire resistant bark will often survive a severe blaze.
Not only is the Sequoia sempervirens one of our most easy to grow trees - it’s also one of the most beautiful. Upright and rapid growing, the evergreen’s pyramid shape and lacy foliage can be seen in the home landscape, parks, along highways, used as screens, and for the Japanese art of bonsai.
The narrow growth habit of this tree makes it especially well suited for grove plantings. Spacing at 10 to 15 feet is common and provides a beautiful woodsy appearance.As a matter of fact, few landscapes equal the beauty of an established grove with lower branches removed in order to exhibit azaleas, camellias and ferns.
A vast improvement was made when cuttings were taken from superior specimen growing along Highway 17 in Santa Clara County, California.From the many cuttings tested, four have become popular for commercial production.These are: Aptos Blue, Soquel,Santa Cruz, andLos Altos (see chart).With these new cultivars, landscape designers and homeowners alike have a choice in growth habits, form, texture, color, and predictability in the landscape.
Variety Chart
- Aptos Blue - A strong growing tree with blue-green foliage and a horizontal branching pattern - this is the most popular cultivar. This cultivar is especially beautiful in spring when light new growth contrasts with older bluish-green.
- Soquel - A very symmetrical growth pattern with branches radiating horizontally and slightly upward. Its strong terminal leader makes it the easiest to train. Foliage is fine, and tree grows thick and full, even during youth.
- Santa Cruz - A full, dense tree with yellow-green foliage. The branches tend to ascend more than the other clones. Very easy to train. Never really caught on due to light bleached foliage color - least cold tolerant selection.
- Los Altos - Older foliage a nice contrast for light green spring growth. Strong, symmetrical shape with horizontally radiating branches typify this clone. Least cultivated, because it tends to produce a lot of cones at a young age.
Note that many other cultivars of the coastal redwoods exist, but are mainly sought out by plant collectors from specialty nurseries. Some of the notable dwarf varieties include: Kelly’s Prostrata (low spreading form) Cantab (Beautiful full growing semi-dwarf form) and Albo-spica (dwarf upright with white tips).
