Sequoiadendron giganteum

Giant sequoia (giant redwood, Sierra redwood) or big tree is the sole member in the genus Sequoiadendron, and one of three species of coniferous trees known as redwoods. It occurs naturally only in groves on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The name "sequoia" generally refers to this species.

It is the world's largest tree by volume, although not growing as tall (only 85 m) as the giant redwoods (S. sempervirens), it is the largest in diameter (up to 8 m). The oldest known giant sequoia (from annual ring count) is 3,500 years old.

• Leaves are evergreen, awl-shaped, 3–5 mm long and arrange spirally on the twigs.
• Seed cones are ovoid, 4–7 cm long and mature over 2 years, but can remain closed on the tree for up to 20 years.
• Sequoia bark is fibrous and may be up to close to 0.9 m thick at the base of the tree, providing protection from fire.