Redwood Genome Project (RGP)

Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are majestic, long-lived trees. These California endemics play important roles in many spheres: ecology, economy, culture, and conservation. Although redwoods have been around for millions of years, we know very little about how these trees evolved to occupy their current range. To better understand the California redwoods and aid in their protection, we are sequencing their genomes for the first time using redwood needles and a tiny portion of the seed (megagametophyte). These genomes will facilitate the development of genetic tools to aid in the conservation and restoration of California’s remaining redwood forests.