The world’s tallest tree is a Coast Redwood, ‘Hyperion’, in California’s Redwood National Park, towering to at least 116m and perhaps only 600-800 years old; others have lived over 2,000 years, and notable trees usually earn names. Large specimens grow across north-west Europe, some dating from soon after the first seed was introduced around 1843 by a Russian botanist.

Native to south-west Oregon and north-west California, in the temperate cloud-forest ‘fog belt’ within 60km of the Pacific coast. It grows largest on rich alluvial soils, often with Douglas-fir and Lawson’s Cypress. About 45 per cent of surviving old-growth redwood forest lies within the Redwood National Park, a World Heritage Site of national and state parks. It has been widely planted worldwide since its European discovery in 1769.

Monoecious, evergreen conifer. Serotinous, requiring wildfire to initiate cone opening and seed dispersal. It can regenerate vegetatively as clones (suckers) emerging from its wide-spreading roots, or regrow, often as multiple trees, when blown over (or coppiced).

A very large, impressive tree (to 60m in Britain and Ireland). Bark rich orange-brown, spongy and fibrous, with vertical ridges and furrows. Twigs with alternate buds. Leaves come in two forms: appressed, sharp scale-leaves at branch tips, and broad needles (2cm, two pale bands beneath) in two flat ranks elsewhere. Female cones elliptical, 2-3cm, green to red-brown in one season. Giant Redwood differs: heavier branches, denser foliage, leaves always scales.

Where introduced, male cones can be frost-damaged and viable seed is hard to source, but it is readily propagated from cuttings. Unusually, it regenerates after deer-browsing when young and after cutting or coppicing when mature, and resprouts from buds in its thick, spongy bark after fire. Highly shade-tolerant (unlike Giant Redwood), disliking full sun when young. Prune for timber; allow for its eventual gigantic size. Some 20 cultivars exist.

Old trees can have multiple leaders and forks that hold pools of water, supporting a huge variety of wildlife in a unique micro-ecosystem. Its huge branches provide platforms for nesting birds. No notable associations where introduced.

It has few pests or pathogens in its native range, where the biggest threat is logging. Root rot and honey fungus can cause root or stem breakages. Could thrive in north-west Europe in a changing climate.

Produces a dimensionally stable and durable timber with a pinky colour. Lightweight yet strong, non-resinous. Used for construction, especially outdoor application. Burr growth can yield veneer with attractive figure.