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California’s state tree is the California redwood, with two species: Sequoia gigantea and Sequoia sempervirens. Logging has reduced the ancient redwood forest to 899,000 acres. The evergreen species can live over 1,800 years, reaching up to 379 feet tall and 26 feet in diameter. They thrive in cool, foggy, rainy environments and are largely impervious to fire due to their thick bark. The California State Senate recognized both species as official state tree symbols in 1953.
California’s state tree has been the California redwood since about 1937. There are two distinct species of this tree: Sequoia gigantea and Sequoia sempervirens, both considered official state trees of California. Prior to the 19th century, California boasted more than two million acres (8,093.7 square kilometers) of ancient redwood forest, but, due to the depredations of the logging industry, only 899,000% of these trees remain. State tree wood remains valuable as lumber, due to its attractive hue, its resistance to fire and rot, and its workability. Today, California maintains approximately 3,640 acres (3,640 square kilometers) of redwoods for commercial cultivation purposes, while most of the redwoods are classified as protected by industry.
The trees known as California redwoods are some of the largest trees in the world. They are an evergreen species that can live more than 1,800 years. They can reach heights of up to 379 feet (115.5 meters) and are also generally very large in diameter. The typical adult California redwood tree can be up to 26 feet (7.9 meters) in diameter at the base.
California redwoods are generally found most often in coastal regions of Northern California. California state tree typically thrives at elevations ranging from 98 to 2,460 feet (30 to 750 meters). They usually need a cool, foggy, rainy environment.
The California state tree is thought to be largely impervious to fire, perhaps because its wood doesn’t contain much sap. The trees are also generally covered in strong, thick bark that is believed to repel both pests and flames. Botanists believe that the California redwood’s ability to withstand these hazards explains the typical age-old tree’s lifespan. Fires in this area are believed to kill off competing tree species, leaving more resources for the hardier redwoods.
The California State Senate made the redwood the official state tree of California in 1937. Because the state boasts two species of redwood, however, the law was changed in 1953, to clarify that both species were recognized as official state tree symbols. The gigantea species is commonly referred to as the giant sequoia or Sierra redwood. The sempervirens species is most commonly referred to as the California redwood, Pacific redwood, or coast redwood.
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