While California redwoods are irrefutably iconic, the fact that there are two different species in California is often overlooked. Sharing the title of state tree of California, the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are majestic, massive, and long-lived. These narrow endemics play important roles in ecology, economy, culture, and conservation. Although redwoods have been around for millions of years, we know very little about how these trees evolved to occupy their current range. To better understand the California redwoods and aid in their protection, we are sequencing their genomes for the first time and building tools to aid in the conservation and restoration of California’s remaining redwood forests.

Coast Redwood – Grows along the coast from Oregon to central California. – Experienced extensive logging, followed by replanting. Management of dense second-growth stands requires thinning to restore old-growth forest. – 26.5 Gb hexaploid genome (2n = 6x = 66) – Genome assembly v1.0 available here

Giant Sequoia – Grows in fragmented groves throughout the Sierra Nevada. – Moderate historical logging, and reduced regeneration due to fire suppression. Grove maintenance and ex-situ conservation are priorities. – 8 Gb diploid genome (2n = 2x = 22) – Genome assembly v2.0 available here

Redwood Genome Team

Johns Hopkins University Steven Salzberg Daniela Puiu Aleksey Zimin Winston Timp Rachael Workman

Save the Redwoods League Emily Burns Kristen Shive

Resources

Learn more about the Redwood Genome Project from our partner and funder Save the Redwoods League : https://www.savetheredwoods.org/project/redwood-genome-project/

Press

Participating Organizations