Coast redwood (RSQ)

Native range

Native to the coastal zones of central and northern California.

Provenance Choice

Very limited provenance testing has been carried out in Britain but more northerly provenances are likely to be more cold hardy.

Site Requirements

A shade tolerant species with rapid early growth and high volume production on suitable sites. Naturally occurs in a mild climate with frequent summer fogs; currently probably best suited to Wales and south-west England in areas with more than 1250 mm rainfall although it will grow in eastern Britain on suitable soils. May not be fully cold hardy in Britain, is sensitive to late frosts, does not withstand exposure and is not drought tolerant. Best growth is on poor to medium soils of fresh or moist soil moisture status. Is not suited to heavier gleys, peats or very poor dry soils. Regenerates from seed or from sprouts from cut stumps.

Pests and Pathogens

No insect pests or diseases of major concern are noted for the coast redwood. In its native range it is commonly reported to have fewer foliar pathogens than any other major tree species. A curiosity rather than of major significance, Phytophthora ramorum has been reported to infect foliage of coast redwood.

Coast redwood is categorised as a Plot-stage species. These are species that have not been planted on any significant scale but have demonstrated silvicultural characteristics in trial plots and have qualities suitable for forestry objectives to justify further testing and development.