The Wellingtonia is a native of California where it grows incredibly tall on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and can live for more than 3000 years.

It holds the distinction of being the largest living thing on Earth.

Introduced into the UK in the early 1890s it is quick to grow and there are a number of fine examples growing today including the collection at Wakehurst Place in Sussex.

The USA national champion is in Sequoia National Park and stands at a staggering 92 metres tall by 36 metres wide.

A large evergreen conifer it has a densely branched conical habit while young but the branches become more widely spaced and distinctly down swept as it ages.

Its deeply furrowed red-brown bark is another of the hallmarks of this magnificent specimen which is suited to large country estates and parklands.

It thrives on most soils and romps away when young given enough water.

Mature height: 20m+

Mature spread: 7-11m