If there is one tree that most non-Californians identify with this state, it is certainly the Coast Redwood. These giant trees, famous for their size and longevity, form dark, primordial groves in moist valleys and canyons, and large ferns and a lush understudy suggest a different, earlier time. Coast Redwoods are the tallest and one of the longest living tree species. Average mature trees are typically 200–240 ft tall, although some trees exceed 360 ft. The Coast Redwoods can live for more than 2,000 years.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s
The redwood bark is extra thick, which helps protect the plant during forest fires. The bark is also high in tannin, which insects hate. And, the tree self-sheds all but the branches high off the ground, which also thwarts insect attack. All these factors contribute to the organism's remarkable multi-millennial longevity. Redwoods can reproduce from seed - or by sprouting, from either live or dead trees.

The roots are unexpectedly shallow for such a towering life form. They rarely go deeper than 3 meters (10 feet). Instead, they broadly spread out. And, they tangle with the roots of other redwoods, which create structural reinforcement. The need to do this is one reason why redwoods grow close together. Fire-resistance, stump-sprouting, and the subsequent rapid growth of young trees are several important ways in which redwoods shape and dominate their environment.