The Giant Sequoia which grows in the Sierra is genetically distinct from the redwoods of the northern and central coast of California. These sequoias are generally wider and larger in mass than the redwoods, but not as tall. The sequoia generally grows around 4000 feet in the western Sierra, in moist areas. They are quite limited in range, although similar trees once covered much of north America during the ice age. Places these trees can be seen include Sequoia national park, sequoia national forest, sierra national forest, and Yosemite national park