Sequoiadendron sp.
Giant sequoia, Giant Sequoia
Family: Cupressaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Sequoiadendron sp. (Giant sequoia) is a native California shrub in the Cupressaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Calocedrus: Sequoiadendron has awl leaves in four rows creating rope-like twigs; Calocedrus has flattened sprays with longer scale leaves appearing whorled.; vs Sequoia: Sequoiadendron has only awl-shaped leaves in four rows; Sequoia has flat needles in two rows on most branches.; vs Pinus: Sequoiadendron has tiny scale leaves pressed to twigs; Pinus has long needles in bundles.; vs Juniperus: Sequoiadendron has 2-4 inch woody cones; Juniperus has berry-like cones under 1 inch.; vs Abies: Sequoiadendron has scale leaves and huge cones; Abies has flat needles and upright cones that disintegrate on tree.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sequoiadendron sp. native to California?
Yes. Sequoiadendron sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Sequoiadendron sp. belong to?
Sequoiadendron sp. is in the Cupressaceae family, genus Sequoiadendron.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.