Growing and propagating Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) in zone 7 North Carolina

Did you know redwoods can be grown in North Carolina? It’s true! And it can all start from a tiny cutting.... 🌱
As a propagator, Sequoia sempervirens were my favorite plant to produce. They aren’t particularly difficult, though they do take a long time. It was more about the shock and awe factor this is massive, long lived tree could have its start in my hands🙏
They are such a remarkable tree- perhaps the most spectacular North American native. They are the sole living species of the genus Sequoia, which resides in the family Cupressaceae family, though I learned it as Taxodiaceae.
Commonly referred to as the California redwood, these evergreen, monoecious conifers can live 1,200-1,800 years or more!
Generically “redwoods” include the tallest living trees on the planet. Sequoia sempervirens can grow to 380’ tall, not including the roots! The trunks can be up to 30’ in diameter at breast height! 🌲
Sequoia sempervirens are also among the oldest living things on Earth. And you can have one in your garden, at least in zones 6-9.
The name sequoia sometimes causes some confusion, as it refers to the subfamily Sequoiodeae, which includes S. sempervirens along with Sequoiadendron giganteum, the giant sequoia and Metasequoia glyptostroboides, the dawn redwood. All of these trees are awesome, but beware, Sequoiadendron does NOT like life in central NC- I’ve tried too many times to count. I think it’s the humidity and high night temperatures, or maybe it just rains too much here?