Giant sequoia Wellingtonia in Bad Gleichenberg

Sequoiadendron struck by lightning

On May 26, 2020, the spa town of Bad Gleichenberg lost a historic landmark: The giant sequoia in the town center was struck by lightning. The tree, under whose sprawling branches the giant nativity scene had stood during Advent, was even equipped with lightning protection - unfortunately in vain. Only part of the "Wellingtonia" remains.

Giant sequoia from 1872

The most famous giant sequoia in Austria (Latin: Sequoiadendron giganteum) is located in the midst of the 20-hectare spa park in Bad Gleichenberg. The seedling was a gift from Count d'Orsay to the Gleichenberg and Johannisbrunnen stock company in 1872. By 1932, it had already reached a height of 29 meters. Since then, cones have also been observed, but the seeds were not viable.

Over the last roughly 150 years, the "Wellingtonia," as it is called by the residents of Bad Gleichenberg, has gone through quite a lot. In 1895, a hurricane caused the loss of the treetop in the upper third, and some branches had to be sacrificed due to winds, storms, and snow loads. During the terrace fire of the spa house in 1945, some branches were also damaged, and in 1946, the branches that had previously been lying on the ground - up to a height of five meters - were cut off by the British military. More than 70 years later, some branches are again lying on the ground.

But why does the giant sequoia thrive so wonderfully in Bad Gleichenberg? It is native to California. The favorable development is likely due to its free-standing position and the advantageous climate of southeastern Styria. The Wellingtonia stands at an elevation of around 300 meters in the upper part of the spa park. The soil consists of sandy clay, which retains water well. In 1940, the giant sequoia was placed under nature protection.