How old are the sequoias and California redwoods?


How old are the sequoias and California redwoods? From the foregoing, we feel safe in saying that there are thousands of Sierra Redwoods between 2,000 and 3,000 years old. Certainly, a number of them are more than 3,000 years old, and a few are possibly as much as 4,000 years old. Published statements giving ages of from 8,000 to 10,000 years are greatly exaggerated.


Are redwoods older than dinosaurs?

The earliest redwoods showed up on Earth shortly after the dinosaurs – before flowers, birds, spiders… and, of course, humans. Redwoods have been around for about 240 million years 2, and in California for at least 20 million years, compared to about 200,000 years for “modern” humans 3.


How long do sequoias live?

Whitebark pine, Western juniper and Douglas-fir can live more than 1,000 years while giant sequoias can live more than 3,000 years. Giant sequoias are the third longest-lived tree species with the oldest known specimen to have been 3,266 years old in the Converse Basin Grove of Giant Sequoia National Monument.


How long can a redwood tree live?

Some coastal redwoods have been known to be as old as 2,200 years old, and giant redwoods can live to over 3,000 years. One of the reasons redwoods live so long is due to a substance in their barks called tannin. This increases the tree's resistance to pests and diseases, and helps to deter insects like termites.


Did dinosaurs live in redwoods?

There is evidence of Tyrannosaurus rex activity near redwoods as well. No animals have been seen feeding on these trees yet, and the trees are likely too large to be significantly damaged by any other than the very largest dinosaurs.