What is the Difference Between Redwood and Sequoia

The main difference between redwood and Sequoia is that the redwood commonly refers to the subfamily Sequoioideae, containing the largest and tallest trees in the world, and Sequoia is one of the three genera of redwood. Furthermore, the other two genera of redwood include Sequoiadendron and Metasequoia.

In brief, redwood is the largest and tallest trees in the world and Sequoia is the tallest among other redwoods. Redwood is more common in the coastal forests of Northern California, while Sequoia and Sequoiadendron are common in the Western United States (California) and Metasequoia is common in China.  

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Redwood
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Sequoia
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Redwood and Sequoia
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Redwood and Sequoia
     – Comparison of Key Differences  

Key Terms 

Metasequoia, Redwood, Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, Tallest Tree

Redwood – Definition, Characteristics, Importance 

Redwood is the largest trees in the world, belonging to the subfamily of coniferous trees; Sequoioideae within the family Cupressaceae. It is more common in the coastal forests of Northern California. Furthermore, the subfamily of redwood contains three genera. They are Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, and Metasequoia. In general, Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia), Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood), and Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood). Sequoia and Sequoiadendron are common in the Western United States (California) and Metasequoia is common in China. 

Figure 1: The “Grizzly Giant” is One of the Main Attractions in Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park, Being a Landmark Ancient Giant Redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum) Tree.

Moreover, Sequoiadendron giganteum or giant sequoia is the most massive trees in the world. Basically, the average height of the tree is 50-85 m while the diameter of the trunk is around 6-8 m.  The giant sequoia is the oldest living organism in the world. The oldest known giant sequoia is 3,200–3,266 years old. The bark of the giant sequoia is fibrous, furrowed, and 90 cm thick at the base. Also, their leaves are long, awl-shaped, and arranged spirally on the shoot. Besides, giant sequoia grows on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada.  

Sequoia – Definition, Characteristics, Importance 

Sequoia is one of the three genera of the redwood subfamily. In fact, it is the tallest among other redwoods. Moreover, the species, Sequoia sempervirens is also known as the coast redwood. Also, due to its habitat, which is the coastal forests of Northern California, it is known as Californian redwood too. The coast redwood can reach up to more than 100 m in height. Furthermore, it has a large base and reddish-brown bark.

Figure 2: Founders Grove – Coast Redwood

Besides, the coast redwood grows as a band along the coast of California and Oregon where fog provides moisture to the growing trees.  In general, the optimal conditions for the growth include abundant winter rain and moderate temperatures around the year. Usually, coast redwoods can be easily found at Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Redwood National and State Parks, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park, all in California.  

Similarities Between Redwood and Sequoia  

• Redwood and Sequoia are two groups of the world’s largest and tallest trees.  
• They are native to the coastal forests of Northern California.  
• Moreover, their wood is red and their cones are small.  
• Although they live for thousands of years, the subfamily of redwood is endangered due to habitat losses from fire ecology suppression,  logging, and air pollution.  Also, the other threats for the subfamily include climate change,  illegal marijuana cultivation, and burl poaching.   

Difference Between Redwood and Sequoia 

Definition 

Redwood refers to either of two giant conifers with thick fibrous bark, native to California and Oregon known as the tallest known trees and is among the largest living organisms while Sequoia refers to the large, evergreen, Californian redwood tree. 

Taxonomy 

Redwood commonly refers to the subfamily Sequoioideae while Sequoia is one of the three genera of redwood.  

Classification 

The three genera of redwood include Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia), Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood), and Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) while Sequoia refers to coast redwood. 

Habitat 

Moreover, redwood is more common in the coastal forests of Northern California, while Sequoia and Sequoiadendron are common in the Western United States (California) and Metasequoia is common in China.  

Elevation 

While redwood grows in lower elevation, Sequoia grows in higher elevation. 

Size and Shape 

Redwood is the largest, tallest, and long-living type of trees in the world, while Sequoia is the tallest among other redwood. 

Needles 

The needles of giant sequoia are small, overlapping, hard, owl-shaped, and grow in spirals around the stem while needles of Sequoia are single, soft, and arranged in sprays along the stem. 

Bark 

Furthermore, the bark of giant sequoia is thick while the bark of Sequoia is less thick. 

Reproduction 

Giant sequoia reproduces only through seeds while Sequoia reproduces through seeds or root sprout. 

Cone Shape 

The cone of giant sequoia is like a chicken egg while the cone of the Sequoia is like a large olive. 

Seed Size 

Also, the giant sequoia seeds are large as oat flakes while Sequoia seeds are small as tomato seeds. 

As Wood 

Importantly, the wood of giant sequoia is too brittle for structural lumber while the wood of Sequoia is commercially valuable as wood. 

Conclusion 

In brief, redwood is the largest and the tallest type of tree in the world. They mainly occur in the coastal forests of Northern California. Taxonomically, redwood belongs to the subfamily Sequoioideae. Also, there are three genera in the subfamily. They are the Sequoiadendron, Sequoia, and Metasequoia. Of these, Sequoia or the coast redwood is the genus of redwood, growing in California. Noticeably, Sequoia is the tallest among other redwoods. Therefore, the main difference between redwood and Sequoia is the habitat and size. 

References:

1. “Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.” Sequoias vs. Redwoods: Comparing Giant Trees | Sequoia Nat’l Forest & Giant Sequoia | Oh, Ranger!, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Grizzly Giant Mariposa Grove” By Mike Murphy (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Founders Grove – Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) – Flickr – Jay Sturner” By Jay Sturner from USA – Founders Grove – Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia