Coast Redwood

Sequoia sempervirens (Coast or California redwood) is a long-lived (3000 years old) evergreen tree and the tallest existing conifer in the world, reaching a height of 115 metres. It was introduced to Europe in 1843. In the province of Granada there is evidence that the Duke of Wellington gave several specimens to the Marquess of Corvera for his country estate in Huéscar in the second half of the 19th century. It was introduced to the Monumental Complex between 1854 and 1856, coinciding with the creation of the High Gardens of the Generalife (a private property in those days). The photo shows the location of the first specimen on the lowest terrace, very near the turnstile which provides access to the gardens.