Fauna
Plant

Coast Redwood

Sequoia sempervirens

Also known as Coastal Redwood, California Redwood

Coast redwoods dominate foggy coastal valleys, pulling essential moisture directly from ambient mist through their upper canopy needles. Deep, fibrous reddish bark protects mature trunks from forest fires, while dormant basal buds sprout vibrant fairy rings of clone saplings around the parent tree. These ancient giants create distinct ecosystems hundreds of feet above the ground, supporting canopy-dwelling ferns, insects, and amphibians.

EvergreenAncientTallest Tree
Coast Redwood reference1 / 7
(c) Miguel Vieira, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Miguel Vieira · cc-by
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthesis
ThreatsHistorical over-logging, habitat fragmentation, severe drought, climate change
HabitatsTemperate coastal rainforests, foggy valleys, river terraces
Life span1,200–2,200+ years
Classification
  1. OrderPinales
  2. FamilyCupressaceae
  3. GenusSequoia
  4. SpeciesSequoia sempervirens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe from established trails.
What to notice
Massive evergreen tree with deeply furrowed reddish bark, flat two-ranked needles, and small wooden cones.
Support conservation
Stay strictly on elevated boardwalks and established trails to avoid compressing the shallow, fragile root network.
Responsible observation
  • Stay on Trails: Protect delicate shallow root systems by sticking to designated boardwalks and paths.
  • Look Up for Canopy Life: Scan high branches for epiphytic ferns, salamanders, and nesting seabirds.
  • Visit in Fog: Experience their natural fog drip system on cool, humid mornings.
Related species
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