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Giants of the Forest
Ancient Trees Saving the Future
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Redwood Section is a microcosm of the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) community. Redwood forests feature a lush and diverse understory of trees, shrubs, and ferns. Planted in the naturally cool and shady confines of Mission Canyon, these majestic trees are some of the oldest plants at the Garden at nearly a century old. The tallest redwood in our collection was last recorded at a height of 160 feet (48 meters).
Redwoods are not only beautiful, but they are also a priceless resource in the fight against climate change. Due to their longevity, redwoods can store more carbon than just about any other species on the planet.
Noteworthy Plants
Coast redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
The tallest living things on Earth, the current record holder measures 380 feet (115 meters), which is about 75 feet (22 meters) taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Western azalea
Rhododendron occidentale
One of three species of azalea native to California, western azalea is the most widespread and can be found from Oregon to Palomar Mountain near San Diego.
Wild ginger
Asarum caudatum
This is a dominant understory plant of the mixed coniferous forests in the far northern parts of the Coast Ranges. The common name is deceptive, and this plant is not closely related to culinary ginger.
Wild irises
Iris sp.
There are 19 species of wild iris native to California, and their beauty has inspired plant breeders to create dozens of cultivars. The Garden has developed three popular cultivars: ‘Canyon Snow’, ‘Canyon Sunshine’, and ‘Canyon Velvet’.
Maidenhair fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris
This fern is found in temperate areas across the world. The maidenhair fern grows in cool and wet habitats, often on sheer vertical rock surfaces like canyons or cliffs.
Tiger lily
Lilium pardalinum
Found throughout the Coast Ranges of California and into Oregon, these beautiful lilies can grow to 6 feet (over 1 meter) and beyond.
Ecosystem Services
Nature’s Climate Warriors
As the largest trees on the planet, redwoods help keep our air clean, removing carbon dioxide by storing it as wood. Each growth ring they add pulls massive amounts of carbon from our atmosphere. In fact, one long-term study found that old-growth redwoods may be able to store five times more carbon above ground than any other type of forest, including the Amazon rainforest. The value of these forests has not always been appreciated though; it is estimated that 93% of old-growth redwood forests have already been logged.
A coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in the Garden’s Redwood Section (Photo: Denise Dewire)
Looking up at the coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) (Photo: Michelle Cyr)
Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) (foreground) is found in redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forest understories. Despite its common name, it is not closely related to culinary ginger; they just share having a spicy scent. (Photo: Elizabeth Collins)
Follow the path through the towering trunks of redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), featuring many species of ferns (members of Pteridaceae) and other shade-tolerant vegetation. (Photo: Randy Wright)