Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant redwood)

If you want to leave a legacy in the form of a tree this could be it. In their native territory of the Sierra Nevada they are thought to be amongst the longest living trees in the world. A conical shape from when young this hardy, evergreen conifer has evenly spaced branches from the ground. The straight trunk develops a reddish-brown, spongy bark which flakes off and the glaucous-green needles brown in their second or third season. The long cones take two years to mature. Requires deep, cool, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position.