Species

• Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) are not in the same genus but are still colloquially referred to as sequoia. They have similar characteristics, but have minor biological differences as well as different geographical ranges. They are in the same family of trees, known as the Cupressaceae, which are conifers and use cones for seed dispersal. Both are the sole extant, currently living, species within their respected genera.
  
  

Size

• Giant sequoias are the largest trees on Earth by volume, while California redwoods are the largest by height. Giant sequoias reach heights around 250 feet with diameters between 20 and 26 feet. California redwoods are taller and can grow upward of 380 feet, but are not as wide at only around 20 feet. The tallest California redwood tree is 379 feet tall and is nicknamed Hyperion. The tallest giant sequoia is nicknamed German Sherman and is 274 feet.
  
  

Range

• California redwoods inhabit southwest Oregon and northwest California, on a narrow stretch of land about 40 miles from the Pacific coastline. They use the dense fog and condensation for moisture. They can be damaged by salt spray if they're too close to the ocean. Giant sequoias, on the other hand, inhabit the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada region. They prefer a humid climate with dry summers as opposed to the redwoods, who thrive in wetter conditions.
  
  

Reproduction

• Both giant sequoias and California redwoods drop cones as a means of seed dispersal, which can be several inches long. Both trees can produce seed-bearing cones at as young as 10 years of age. Sequoias are monoecious, which means that it has both male and female reproductive organs on the same plant. Both trees live several thousand years under ideal conditions and produce as many as 1,500 seed-bearding cones every year.
  
  

Uses

• Giant sequoia is primarily used as an ornamental plant outside of its natural habitat. It can be grown in several places all over the world and is considerably more versatile than the California redwood. Redwood, because of its tough, fibrous bark, may be used as fuel insulation or mulch. However, there are strict regulations on the logging of redwood and many trees are preserved in state parks.
  
  

Dangers

• Both the giant sequoia and California redwood are considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This means that, while the organisms are not yet statistically endangered, they may soon become endangered unless certain environmental conditions improve. This status in regards to the sequoias can most likely be attributed to logging or habitat loss. The California redwood is protected in California's National Park as well as several other preservation areas. Giant sequoias are found in Sequoia National Park, which is also found in California.