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Sequoia
at Washington Co. Courthouse
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The giant sequoia
is an extraordinary tree. It is the
largest
tree in the world and among the tallest and oldest. Although
they are not well-suited for city life, they are still widely planted,
especially in parks and open places. If they are left to grow, they
eventually come to dominate the scene, towering above buildings and
other trees. The Washington County Courthouse in Hillsboro, Oregon has
several impressive giant sequoias towering over the courthouse
building.
The two largest giant sequoias in Oregon are located in Forest Grove.
Young
trees have
a
symmetrical conical shape. The twigs
often have a swept-up appearance, reminiscent of a feathered
hairstyle.
Where
it grows: Western Sierra
Nevada of California, all in
protected groves, mostly in Giant Sequoia National Monument and in
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks..
Giant sequoia at Hoyt Arboretum.
Uses: Although
many giant sequoias were cut down in the late 19th Century, the wood was
unsuitable for commercial uses.
Names:
Giant sequoia was once put in the same genus as the redwood, but later given the
separate genus of Sequoiadendron,
meaning "tree of Sequoia." The tree is named after
Sequoyah, a Cherikee who created a writing
system for the Cherikee language.
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Egg size cone
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