The Giants

“The wonder is that we can see these trees and not wonder more.” 

 Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Seqoiadendron giganteum, Range: Western slope of Sierra Nevada, central California

The Giant Sequoias

Sequoia are the largest trees in the world, but not the tallest Sequoia characteristics, General Grant Grove, Sequoia National Forest, CA Blue-green Sequoia leaves Sequoia grow to heights of 150 to 250 feet and 20 ft. diameter
The Giant Sequoia reaches full height in its first 800 years, then continues to add bulk rather than height. Late afternoon shadows and blue sky beautify the already impressive Sequoia forest Mossy Sequoia, Mariposa Grove, Sequoia National Forest, CA Mossy Sequoia, Mariposa Grove, Sequoia National Forest, CA
Sequoia longevity is attributed to properties that make it resilient against fire, insects and disease Sequoia trunk and scale-leaves Ponderosa Pine thrive in the central California forests alongside the Giant Sequoias Sequoia roots extend outward 200 to 250 feet and are comparitively shallow, only six to eight feet deep.
Galen Clark, first guardian of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove, worked hard to protect the Giant Sequoias. Mariposa Grove, The Bachelor and Three Graces Mariposa Grove, Sequoia National Forest, CA Sequoia Toe!
Sequoia roots are only six to eight feet deep, so the trees are prone to toppling. White tailed Deer munching on young Sequoia branches, Kings Canyon National Park Sequoia in Shadow Autumn, Eight thirteen p.m. in the Sequoia National Forest, northern California

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The California Redwoods

Giant Redwood, John Muir National Forest, California Redwood branches and leaves The young and the old Redwood bark detail
Looking up, John Muir National Forest, California Fire destroys the inner layers of Redwood and the outer bark, more resistant to fire, continues to grow Looking up, John Muir National Forest, California Trunk detail, Redwood
Along with Incence Cedar and American Elm, the Big Leaf Maple is one of the few species of trees that can grow in the dark abundance of the Redwoods here in John Muir National Forest Vertigo Redwood roots Interesting Redwood root
Initials carved into a decaying Redwood log Fire or other threats trigger new growth Young growth Redwood group at Grant's Cove, Sequoia National Forest, CA
Above the clouds - looking down toward John Muir National Forest near Santa Cruz, CA Above the clouds - looking down toward John Muir National Forest near Santa Cruz, CA Above the clouds - looking down toward John Muir National Forest near Santa Cruz, CA Redwood at dusk, driving toward Sequoia National Forest, northern CA

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