Which tree family includes the sequoias, redwoods and cypresses?

Cupressaceae is the tree family that includes the sequoias, redwoods and cypresses.

Cupressaceae, commonly called the cypress family, is a large family of mostly woody plants. It includes familiar genera such as Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, Taxodium, Cupressus, Juniperus and Thuja. Members occur on every continent except Antarctica and range from towering trees to shrubs.

The family’s members often have scale-like or needle-like leaves and produce seed cones, although their forms vary substantially. Coast redwood and giant sequoia are especially famous because of their size, while bald cypress is known for growing in wet habitats and developing distinctive “knees” in some settings.

Classification has changed as botanical evidence improved. The family formerly called Taxodiaceae is generally included within Cupressaceae in modern classifications. This is why older books may place redwoods and bald cypress in a separate family. Cupressaceae should not be confused with Pinaceae, the pine family, which includes pines, firs, spruces and larches.