What is the state tree of California? The magnificent redwood, towering at heights of up to 379 feet, has proudly held this title since 1937. When the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 112, they officially designated "the California redwood" as our state's arboreal emblem.
Interestingly, this designation actually encompasses two distinct species of redwood trees. In 1953, the law was amended to specifically recognize both the coast redwood and the giant sequoia as California state tree representatives. The coast redwoods are undoubtedly the tallest trees in the world, while the giant sequoias are the most massive. In fact, the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park stretches over 274 feet high with a base circumference exceeding 102 feet, making it widely considered the world's largest tree by volume. Furthermore, these remarkable California state tree specimens can reach truly ancient ages, with some living more than 3,000 years.
In this article, we'll explore the fascinating story behind our state tree, examine some incredible redwood tree facts, and discover why these giants matter more than ever in today's changing world.
How Redwoods Became the State Tree of California
The journey to officially recognize the redwood as California's state tree began in the mid-1930s, when public interest grew around selecting a symbolic tree that would represent the state's natural heritage.
The 1937 Senate Bill and its impact
The movement to designate an official state tree gained momentum quickly. On April 3, 1937, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 112, which officially named "the California redwood" as the state tree. This legislation took effect on August 27, 1937. Nevertheless, the bill's language created an unexpected complication that would take years to resolve.
The key issue? Senate Bill No. 112 simply referred to "the native redwood" without specifying which particular species. This seemingly minor detail would later require legal clarification as California is home to not just one, but two magnificent redwood species.
Why redwoods were the obvious choice
Selecting the redwood as California's state tree was practically inevitable. These majestic giants had already captured the imagination of Californians and visitors alike. Their unmatched height, impressive girth, and ancient lineage made them natural candidates for representing the state's unique natural landscape.
Additionally, redwoods were exclusively native to the Pacific Coast, despite once being common throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The trees' restricted range made them distinctly Californian, while their towering presence symbolized the state's grandeur and natural beauty.
Clarifying the two species in 1953
The ambiguity created by the 1937 bill's general language led to a significant question: exactly which redwood was California's state tree? There were two potential candidates – the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the giant sequoia (initially classified as Sequoia gigantea, now called Sequoiadendron giganteum).
To resolve this confusion, California's Attorney General issued a ruling in 1951 declaring that both redwood species qualified as the official state tree. Thereafter, the Legislature formally amended the law in 1953 with Senate Bill No. 1014, officially recognizing both species as California's state trees.
Ironically, this amendment contained its own inaccuracy – it used the outdated scientific name Sequoia gigantea rather than the reclassified Sequoiadendron giganteum for the giant sequoia. Despite this taxonomic detail, the amendment successfully ensured that both of California's magnificent redwood species received proper recognition as the state's arboreal ambassadors.
What Makes Redwood Trees So Remarkable
Standing beneath a California redwood offers a humbling perspective on nature's grandeur. These extraordinary trees possess characteristics that make them truly exceptional among Earth's living organisms.
Unmatched height and volume
California's state tree holds remarkable records in the plant kingdom. The tallest known redwood, named Hyperion, reaches an astonishing 379 feet in height, making it the tallest tree on our planet. To put this in perspective, this exceeds the height of the tallest dinosaur (Sauroposeidon) by more than six times. Regarding sheer size, the largest living coast redwood, Grogan's Fault, contains over 38,299 cubic feet of wood in its main trunk alone. These giants commonly reach trunk diameters of 27 feet, with historical records documenting specimens nearly 32 feet across.
Ancient lineage dating back to the dinosaurs
Redwoods represent one of Earth's most ancient tree lineages. The first recognizable Sequoia appeared in the fossil record approximately 200 million years ago during the Jurassic period, alongside the dinosaurs that roamed prehistoric landscapes. Throughout geological time, these resilient trees survived as countless other species disappeared. Fossil evidence reveals redwoods once flourished across the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Remarkably, some coast redwoods alive today germinated during the Roman Empire, with the oldest specimens reaching 2,200 years of age.
Unique adaptations for survival
Considering their longevity, redwoods have developed extraordinary survival mechanisms. Their thick, fibrous bark (up to 12 inches) provides exceptional fire resistance. Alongside this protection, redwoods produce high concentrations of tannins and terpenoids that naturally repel insects, fungi, and rot. Interestingly, these trees possess two different leaf types—tight spikes at the top to conserve moisture and flat needles below to maximize light capture. Moreover, coast redwoods can regenerate after disturbances through sprouting, unlike other forest species such as Douglas-fir which experience nearly complete mortality after intense fires.
Redwoods and Their Environmental Importance
Beyond their impressive size and longevity, California's state trees play a crucial role in our environment. These giants offer ecological benefits that make them increasingly valuable in our changing world.
They clean more carbon than any other tree
Old-growth coast redwood forests store more carbon per acre than any other forest type on Earth. According to research, there can be up to 890 metric tons of carbon stored per acre of old-growth redwood forest—equivalent to taking about 700 passenger vehicles off the road for a year. Consequently, even 150-year-old second-growth redwoods can accumulate 339 metric tons of carbon per acre.
They help regulate water and temperature
Significantly, redwoods can drink approximately 160 gallons of water daily. In summer months, these trees obtain up to 40% of their water from coastal fog. As this fog drips down through the canopy, it replenishes creek water, creating cooler, damper forest conditions. Redwoods also play a vital role in capturing rainwater, helping trap sediment and improve water quality.
They support biodiversity in California
The redwood ecosystem houses numerous species, from banana slugs and Pacific giant salamanders to bobcats and northern spotted owls. Notably, mature redwood forests provide habitat for imperiled species including marbled murrelets and fishers. Overall, the relationship between redwoods and wildlife represents a complex partnership of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi that strengthens as forests mature.
Why Redwoods Matter More Than Ever Today
In today's rapidly changing environment, California's majestic state trees face unprecedented challenges yet offer extraordinary hope. As average temperatures in the region have increased by 2°F in just the past half century, these ancient giants stand at the frontline of our climate crisis.
Climate change and redwood resilience
Data shows that ancient old-growth redwood forests exhibit remarkable resilience to climate changes. Indeed, these trees have been benefiting from increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere since the 1970s, absorbing more carbon while putting on more mass. Throughout their range, redwoods encounter temperature increases, with coast redwoods potentially facing less coastal fog. Fortunately, redwoods capture more carbon dioxide than any other tree on Earth. Presently, studies confirm that much of the old-growth grew faster than expected even during California's recent drought.
The cultural and symbolic value of redwoods
Historically, redwoods have been integral to Indigenous Peoples along the California coast. The Yurok consider redwood trees sacred living beings, utilizing them for traditional family homes. Especially important, Minni Reeves, an elder of the Chilula people, explained: "The redwood trees are sacred... created from medicine mixed with the blood of our people". Beyond indigenous cultures, redwoods symbolize timeless wisdom, inner power, and regeneration. At this point, with only 4% of the original 2-million-acre redwood forest remaining, preserving these living monuments becomes increasingly vital.
How you can help protect them
Everyone can contribute to redwood protection. First, stay on official trails and pack out what you pack in whenever visiting these ancient forests. Alternatively, support organizations like Save the Redwoods League, which has protected over 200,000 acres of redwood forest. Henceforth, understanding that redwoods help create their own microclimates—keeping forests wetter and cooler in hotter, drier conditions—reminds us why protecting California's state tree benefits all living beings.
Conclusion
Throughout this journey exploring California's magnificent state trees, we've witnessed the extraordinary nature of redwoods—ancient giants that have stood the test of time since the dinosaurs roamed Earth. Undoubtedly, these remarkable trees deserve their status as California's arboreal ambassadors, representing not just natural beauty but resilience and adaptability. Their unmatched height, impressive volume, and ability to survive for millennia make them truly exceptional living monuments.
Beyond their awe-inspiring presence, redwoods serve as crucial environmental allies. Their unparalleled carbon sequestration capabilities, natural fire resistance, and role in water regulation become increasingly valuable as climate challenges intensify. Meanwhile, the rich biodiversity they support demonstrates their importance as ecological keystones in California's natural systems.
The story of our state trees reflects our own relationship with nature—one that has evolved from exploitation to appreciation and conservation. Although only 4% of original redwood forests remain, their demonstrated resilience against climate fluctuations offers hope. These living giants have survived countless challenges through geological ages and continue adapting today.
We must remember that protecting redwoods means preserving living history—trees that connect us to ancient times while serving vital roles in our present ecosystem. Their cultural significance to indigenous peoples and symbolic value to all Californians highlight why conservation matters. For anyone fascinated by these majestic giants and wanting to learn more about California trees, visiting a redwood forest provides an irreplaceable opportunity to experience their grandeur firsthand.
As stewards of California's natural heritage, our responsibility extends to ensuring these remarkable trees continue towering over our landscape for generations to come—just as they have done for millennia past. After all, the story of California's redwoods is still being written, and we all play a part in its next chapter.
FAQs
Q1. Why was the redwood chosen as California's state tree? The redwood was selected as California's state tree in 1937 due to its impressive size, beauty, and unique significance to the state. These majestic trees, which can grow up to 379 feet tall, represent California's natural heritage and have captivated residents and visitors alike for generations.
Q2. How old can redwood trees get? Redwood trees are among the oldest living organisms on Earth. Some coast redwoods have been found to be over 2,200 years old, with many specimens dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. Their incredible longevity is a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
Q3. What makes redwood trees environmentally important? Redwoods are crucial for the environment because they store more carbon per acre than any other forest type on Earth. They also play a vital role in regulating water and temperature in their ecosystems and support a diverse range of wildlife, making them key players in maintaining California's biodiversity.
Q4. Are redwood trees threatened by climate change? While climate change poses challenges to many species, redwoods have shown remarkable resilience. Studies indicate that old-growth redwood forests are adapting well to changing conditions, with some even growing faster than expected during recent droughts. However, continued conservation efforts are essential to protect these ancient giants.
Q5. How can individuals help protect redwood trees? People can help protect redwoods by staying on designated trails when visiting forests, supporting conservation organizations like Save the Redwoods League, and raising awareness about the importance of these trees. Understanding the vital role redwoods play in creating microclimates and supporting ecosystems can inspire more people to contribute to their preservation.