Understanding Sequoia sempervirens

Abstract

Humans have no doubt observed the coast redwood, Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl., in wonder for thousands of years. It is no small task to seek understanding of a species whose sheer size cannot readily be assessed from the ground and whose generation time can exceed that of humans by 100 times. Fortunately, the scientific method has provided a steadfast approach to study, describe, and explore many aspects of S. sempervirens ecology in recent centuries.This review focuses on select aspects of coast redwood ecology that illustrate how redwood research has progressed and proliferated over time. Redwood research developed slowly after the first botanical description of the species in 1824, but in recent decades the pace of ecological investigation has accelerated. Major methodological innovations including molecular genetics, canopy-access rope techniques, and dendrochronology have resulted in profound discoveries that shape our contemporary understanding of Earth’s tallest tree and the forest it defines.

Parent Publication

• Coast redwood science symposium—2016: Past successes and future direction

Citation

Burns, Emily E. 2017. Understanding Sequoia sempervirens. In: Standiford, Richard B.; Valachovic, Yana, tech cords. Coast redwood science symposium—2016: Past successes and future direction. Proceedings of a workshop. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-258. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 9-13.