Wellingtonia

Natural History Note

Wellingtonia

Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are (a type of redwood) huge and long-lived trees from the west coast of America. The ones we have in this country are just babies but still tower over most trees.

A number of Wellingtonia were planted in Perthshire to commemorate Queen Victoria’s jubilee. There are small numbers at Camghouran and Dall on the south side of Loch Rannoch, some at Cluny Gardens near Aberfeldy (where the largest in a Perthshire is found), Dunkeld and at least one at Grandtully.

On the west coast of America the Wellingtonia benefit from mists blowing in off the sea. They like a wet climate and this may well be why they grow well in Scotland.

Since the trees, in their native California live for thousands of years they inevitably encounter fire. They are adapted to survive because their bark is fire resistant. It only smoulders and then drops off so that it sheds the heat. If you feel the bark it is very soft. In fact you can punch it and you will not hurt your hand, but it is recommended that you are sure of your tree identification before trying it. Fire can help the cones to open and drop their seeds.

Wellingtonia were introduced to Scotland by John Matthew. The name Wellingtonia is after the Duke of Wellington. There is a famous avenue at the Benmore Botanic Garden in Argyll.

(18th December 2019)