The Hyperion in Redwood Park in northern California is the world’s tallest living tree. The tree stands at a height of 380.3 feet and is approximately 700-800 years old.
To put that in perspective, the tree is nearly 70 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and 63 feet higher than Big Ben. Hyperion holds an impressive 18,600 cubic feet of wood, showcasing its massive structure. Even a pine cone from the tree is triple the size.
Forestry researchers Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor discovered the redwood tree (Sequoia sempervirens) in 2006 — astonishing to think it took that long given the tree’s gigantic stature. However, the exact location is still a well-guarded secret.
The foliage is characteristic of arid environments due to the plumbing challenges of drawing water up the tree. The volume of wood it contains is also 530 cubic meters (18,600 cubic feet), indicating the massiveness of its structure.
The Paradox tree located in Redwood Humbolts Park will pass the Hyperion tree in height by 2031.
Comparison of Renowned Tall Trees
| Name | Height (feet) | Location | Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperion | 380.3 | Redwood Park, California | Sequoia sempervirens |
| Paradox | 372 | Humboldt Redwoods State Park | Sequoia sempervirens |
| General Sherman | 275 | Sequoia National Park | Sequoiadendron giganteum |
| Douglas Fir | 327 | Oregon | Pseudotsuga menziesii |
Interesting side note: the world’s largest complete fossilized tree (237 feet long) lies in Thailand.
Images above via the Famous Redwoods website, which also contains a must-see virtual tour of the tree.
Before you go…
Finding one of the world’s biggest trees is interesting. But do you want to see something three times the size? Read my next article to find out where the tallest outdoor elevator in the world is!
Zhangjiajie’s Bailong Elevator is the highest outdoor elevator in the world