ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sequoia (genus)

Sequoias are really big trees that can grow to be as tall as a skyscraper! They are part of a family of trees called conifers, which means they have needles instead of leaves and bear cones to produce their seeds.

There are two types of sequoias: the giant sequoia and the coastal sequoia. Giant sequoias are mostly found in California, and can live for thousands of years. Coastal sequoias, also called redwoods, are found in Oregon and a few other places. Both types grow really big, but the giant sequoia is the biggest tree in the world!

The sequoias have a really tough bark that helps protect them from fires. They need fire to survive because the heat from fires helps release the seeds from their cones. Sequoias also need a lot of water to grow because they are so big.

Many people love to visit sequoias and see how big they are. Some people even climb them, but that can be dangerous and is not allowed in protected parks.

So in summary, sequoias are very big trees that belong to a group called conifers, they have tough bark and need fire to release their seeds, and they need lots of water to grow because they're so big!