Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)

The giant sequoia, known scientifically as Sequoiadendron giganteum, stands as a living marvel. Native to California’s Sierra Nevada, these towering trees, some reaching over 275 feet tall and living for thousands of years, are the largest trees by volume on Earth. While they’re not originally from the Pacific Northwest, many were planted in cities like Portland around 1900, adding awe-inspiring green giants to urban landscapes. In national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia, these ancient trees have been protected since 1890. Their management has evolved over time, shifting from just saving the trees themselves to preserving the entire ecosystems they inhabit, emphasizing the importance of natural processes like fire for their survival. These majestic trees, with their thick, cinnamon-brown bark and high-reaching branches, are not just botanical wonders but also a symbol of nature’s enduring strength and beauty.