Size
California redwoods are Earth's tallest trees. In 2006, according to National Geographic, the tallest redwood yet discovered was measured at 379.1 feet. The Statue of Liberty is 305 feet high.
Features
The redwood's thick tannin-rich bark is both termite and fire-resistant. Its branches bear two sets of differently-shaped needles and olive-sized cones. Neighboring trees intertwine their shallow roots to provide stability.
Lifespan
According to the National Parks Service, some California redwoods are in their third millennium. Most of the old-growth trees, however, are between 500 and 700 years old.
Misconception
California redwoods and giant sequoias aren't the same; they're closely related but distinct varieties of the Sequoia tree species. Although giant sequoias are shorter, their enormous girth makes them the world's largest trees by volume.
Fun Fact
Mighty oaks may grow from tiny acorns, but California redwoods have even humbler beginnings from seeds the size of tomato seeds. They also send up root sprouts, enabling them to reproduce even after fire destroys their seed cones.
Article Written By Judy Wolfe
Judy Wolfe has owned her own freelance writing business since 2006. She is a professional florist, holds a certificate in advanced floral design and had her Valentine's Day floral design published in "Super Floral Retailing." She is a travel writer for Chincoteague Island Vacations, MyGermanCity and Berlin Dude. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from California State Polytechnic Univeristy in Pomona.
