Wednesday, August 3, 2016

The Coast Redwood - a Uniquely Large, Long-Lived Tree Species


A respected Indiana dog breeder, Dave Chupp offers families a full range of well-socialized puppies, from Morkies to Alaskan malamutes. With an enthusiasm for the outdoors, Dave Chupp particularly enjoys traveling to US national parks.

One of Mr. Chupp’s most memorable destinations was Redwood National & State Parks, situated along the fog-laden Northern California coast in Humboldt County. For many visitors, the highlight of this unique park system is the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), which is the only surviving tree of its genus.

Common throughout the western United States during the Jurassic Period, coast redwoods are now relegated to a narrow coastal band that is perpetually damp. The trees also cannot live at high elevations or in areas with persistent frost and snow conditions during winter.

Within its ecosystem, the coast redwood is king, with mature trees reaching heights of more than 350 feet and a lifespan extending 2,000 years. The uniquely large size of the tree and its shade-giving properties create sparse underbrush that is ideal for ferns, mushrooms, and certain types of berries.

With high tannin content in its bark, coast redwoods are highly resistant to fire and insect infestations, and diseases are almost unknown to the trees. Logging poses the most serious threat to this majestic reminder of the prehistoric achievements of nature.

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