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Mighty Redwoods
- Nov 2, 2009 at 8:48 AM
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- Comments (17) Total Views (464) Everyone can see this journal post.
This topic has been on my list for a few weeks now, ever since a friend of mine visited California for work and had a chance to see these giant trees. It was getting late and dark so he didn't get a picture of himself with a tree, but he did hug it while he was there :D
It just so happens, the National Geographic Magazine I got at the library this week has the Redwoods gracing the cover. There is a fold-out pin-up style picture that really shows the massiveness of these trees, up against a human being of average size. There is something very obvious about folding a page open FOUR times, wondering when the crown of the tree will be visible. I hope you all can find this magazine and enjoy it.
A few notes about these massive trees appear in this post. I am going to leave ALOT of information out, hopefully to spark you to check out the links and learn more :)
Their scienctific name is Sequoiadendron but they are commonly known as the Giant Sequoia or Sierra Redwood. These trees are the largest living trees, and only grow on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. They average 165-280 feet tall and 16-24 feet in diameter, as you can tell from these cool old photos (from allposters.com and alamedainfo.com).
The trees grow in 68 distinct groves. A couple more that show the massive size of these trees, from chenistry.com and sunnyfortuna, respectively:
The current largest living tree (by volume) is General Sherman, at 275 feet tall, and estimated to be over 2,000 years old! the picture below (of General Sherman) is from Wikipedia. The tallest tree ever recorded is an un-named tree of 311 feet in height in the Redwood Mountain Grove.
All I can say is WOW, and I hope to visit these giants someday. I have a special fascination with extremely large natural items, particularly when I can go right up and touch them (or hug them)! I just might start a tree of my own, but I wonder how long before the town officials decide I am not allowed to have it here?
Tonya
AKA sunmoonstars
Comments:
I've been to Sequoia and Redwood Nat'l Parks and they are both absolutely breathtaking. Something to be seen in person, for sure. It's terribly humbling standing at the feet of a living thing that is so large and so old. I hope you get to go! I'm an complete national park junkie. :)
I so want to go and see these wonderful trees.
I have never seen one, but that is one of my dreams. My little mind just can't fathom the mammoth size of these trees. :-) They are just huge!
I've seen Redwoods in person and they are absolutely amazing. We are planning to take the boys soon.
Just wanted to say that the Redwoods also grow in Oregon. I live in Cali, only a couple hours south of Oregon and a couple hours east of the Redwoods. I personally enjoy the Redwoods in Orgon much more because of all the green life around the trees.
But they are a beautiful site to see no matter if you visit the ones in California or Oregon
Thanks outstandinglove - I did not know that :)
There are a few groves in Yosemite and they're fantastic! You may not be able to grow a true giant redwood in your neck of the woods, Tonya, as these trees have very specific needs (they don't like hot, humid summers, for example) but you might be able to grow another variety, one that the powers that be in your town might be agreeable to. :)
arthist - I just might give it a shot anyway :) i figure it might grow, but just alot shorter. It might like the water here....
I can't wait to go see them. I live only a few hours away & have yet to go see them. They have always fasinated me
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