When most people think of redwoods (Sequoia spp.), they think of the huge California or coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. Comparable large pines include the loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9 and short-leaf pine (Pinus echinata), also hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9. Desirability of one species over another is dependent on site and usage considerations, among other factors.
Height and Shape
California redwood and its relative, giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum), hardy in USDA zones 6 to 8, are tall. California redwood tops out at 100 feet tall and 25 feet wide, and giant redwood grows up to 275 feet tall and 60 feet wide. Both redwoods have a dense network of branches and a pyramidal shape. Lower branches are lost as the trees age, leaving straight trunks. Loblollies grow up to 90 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Short-leaf pine is shorter, at 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Both are pyramidal when young, developing more rounded crowns with age.
Color and Growth
California and giant redwoods as well as loblollies and short-leaf pines feature distinctive cinnamon-colored bark. Loblollies feature dark green needles and short-leaf pines bear needles of bluish-green. California redwoods also have dark green needles, but some varieties feature a blue-green color. Giant redwood foliage is also blue-green. The pines feature characteristic woody cones, with those of loblolly pine being longer. California and giant redwoods bear small red-brown, egg-shaped cones. Within their native ranges (and often elsewhere), both pines and redwoods grow fast, adding 25 inches or more per year in height.
Compact forms are available for gardeners who cannot accommodate enormous specimens of either pine or redwood. "Cantab" California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens "Cantab"), grows to a manageable 30 to 40 feet tall, with a pyramidal shape. At the opposite end of the height spectrum from the species, the extremely small, prostrate "Pygmaeum" giant redwood (Sequoia giganteum "Pygmaeum") grows only 2 feet tall, with a 9 foot spread. "Nana" is a dwarf loblolly variety (Pinus taeda "Nana") that grows 8 to 15 feet tall and develops a rounded crown.
Loblollies and short-leaf pines are vigorous, adaptable species, used for both home and commercial landscaping and timber production. Michael A. Dirr, professor emeritus of horticulture at the University of Georgia, characterizes both pines as good landscape trees, with groups of young loblollies especially effective as screens. By contrast, Dirr notes that huge, long-lived redwoods are best used as specimen trees in locations with ample space, though compact varieties may work well in home settings.
- Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Fifth Edition; Michael A. Dirr
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder -- Sequoia Sempervirens
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder -- Pinus Taeda
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder -- Pinus Echinata
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder -- Sequoiadendron Giganteum
- Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images