Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Tourists at the base of a giant sequoia tree. Giant sequoias grow at altitudes of 1400-2400 metres, and are native to the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, USA. Thought to live for up to 4000 years, the biggest trees weigh over 1000 tonnes and reach over 80 metres in height. Specimens of S. giganteum have been introduced to the UK, where they are known as 'Wellingtonia'. Photographed in Kings Canyon National Park, California.