Evolution and history of Giant Sequoia

Abstract

Ancient ancestors of the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum [Lindl.] Buchholz) were widespread throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere during the late Mesozoic Period. Climatic conditions changed, forcing the more recent ancestors of present giant sequoia into the southwestern United States. The native range is now restricted to the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. Although seen in 1833 the effective date of discovery by the Europeans was 1852. Soon after that specimen trees were cut, and then extensive logging removed about a third of the big trees. Preservation of groves started in 1864 and gained momentum in 1890 with creation of Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted during the last century from paleobotany to genetics of these great trees, but much is still unknown.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the workshop on management of giant sequoia; May 24-25, 1985; Reedley, California

Citation

Harvey, H. Thomas. 1986. Evolution and history of Giant Sequoia. In: Weatherspoon, C. Phillip; Iwamoto, Y. Robert; Piirto, Douglas D., technical coordinators. Proceedings of the workshop on management of giant sequoia; May 24-25, 1985; Reedley, California. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-95. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: p. 1-3