Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia; also known as giant redwood, Sierra redwood, Sierran redwood, Wellingtonia or simply big tree) is the sole living species in the genus Sequoiadendron. Giant sequoias are the most massive individual trees in the world and grow to an average height of 50–85 m (164–279 ft) with trunk diameters ranging from 6–8 m (20–26 ft).
Interestingly, the name Sequoia was coined by the Austrian botanist Stephan Endlicher in 1847. However, he didn't specify any reasons for choosing this particular name, and there is no record of anyone else speaking to him about it.