The Magnificence of the World's Largest Tree, 2,700 Years Old and Still Middle-Aged
In terms of volume, General Sherman is the largest single tree in the world. It can hold up to ten blue whales – the largest living animal, each weighing up to 180 tons.
In terms of volume, General Sherman is the largest single tree in the world. It can hold up to ten blue whales – the largest living animal, each weighing up to 180 tons.
The giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) named after General Sherman, in the giant forest of Sequoia National Park in California, USA
General Sherman is 83.8 meters tall - equivalent to a 20-story building, 7.7 meters in diameter, and has an estimated trunk volume of 1,500 cubic meters.
In terms of volume, General Sherman is the largest single-stem tree on earth today.
General Sherman's age is estimated to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old. In redwoods, this is considered 'middle-aged', so the tree can still grow for many more centuries.
The name 'General Sherman' was coined by naturalist James Wolverton in 1879. He took the name from his Civil War superior General William Tecumseh Sherman, then Commander of the Union Army.
The beauty of the redwood tree
Today, the General Sherman tree is the largest tree ever recorded.
Today the General Sherman tree is a prominent landmark in Sequoia National Park.
From the highway running through the National Park, visitors can easily access the tree via a trail.
Update 28 January 2025
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