Very close to the La Victoria neighborhood in Valladolid, a giant tree is hidden, one that many residents have never even seen up close. On the banks of the Canal de Castilla spillway stands a monumental sequoia known as “Sequoia of Las Eras”, one of the most unique and oldest trees in the cityIts size, its history and the environment that surrounds it make it a true botanical gem within an already extraordinary landscape.
This colossus belongs to the species Sequoiadendron giganteumThe same species as the famous giant sequoias of California. In Valladolid, far from its native land, this specimen has managed to adapt and grow to reach some 38 meters high and about 9 meters in trunk circumference measured at ground level, which places it among the largest and most striking trees in the entire municipality.
The Sequoia of Las Eras: a hidden giant next to the Canal de Castilla
The call The Sequoia of Las Eras is located next to the spillway of the Canal de Castilla, in the La Victoria neighborhood.It's in Valladolid. It's not in a central square or a busy park, but in a rather discreet corner, visible only from certain points along the riverbank. This "hidden" nature explains why, despite its size, many Valladolid residents still haven't discovered it.
This specimen belongs to the species Sequoiadendron giganteum, a monumental conifer native to the Sierra Nevada mountains in CaliforniaIn its natural habitat it can easily exceed 80 meters in height (see the record of tallest tree in the world) and live for several thousand years. In Valladolid, estimates place the age of this sequoia at around 180-200 years, which makes it one of the oldest living beings in the city.
Regarding its dimensions, the data collected in different measurements indicate that the circumference of the trunk, taken at 0 meters of height, is close to 9 meters (Data published in 2012 by user JotaErre). That figure places it as the tree with the largest perimeter in the municipality of Valladolid, even above holm oaks, cedars or other veteran specimens listed as unique.
The height is also impressive: in both 2012 and 2016, an approximate measurement of 38 metersAlthough the method used in these measurements has not been specified, it is considered a fairly reliable estimate that coincides with the references of the City Council itself, which speaks of more than 35 meters for the unique sequoias of the city.
In some catalogs and databases of monumental trees, this sequoia appears identified as “giant sequoia 27522”a numerical reference that facilitates its inventory and tracking, but which in popular use has been overshadowed by the much more evocative name of Sequoia of Las Eras.
A unique tree in the context of Valladolid's monumental trees
The Valladolid City Council has a catalog of 38 unique trees scattered throughout the town centerThese trees are included in the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU). They are protected due to their age, height, shape, or rarity in an urban environment. Within this select list, sequoias occupy a very special place.
In the city there are at least Two outstanding giant sequoias: the one on the Canal de Castilla, in La Victoria, and another in OveruelaBoth are considered non-native species, meaning they are not native to the Iberian Peninsula, but they have been planted and maintained due to their extraordinary ornamental and botanical value. It is estimated that they number around They are 200 years old and over 35 meters tall., fitting perfectly into the category of “monumental tree”.
The sequoia on the Canal de Castilla is, according to various sources, the largest tree in Valladolid if we combine height and trunk circumferenceIts status as an "almost hidden giant" sets it apart from other unique urban specimens, more accessible and known to the general public, such as the centuries-old olive tree in the Plaza de Fuente Dorada or the famous cedars scattered throughout different parts of the city.
Alongside these sequoias, the municipal catalogue includes trees as varied as Cedars of Lebanon, ginkgos, cypresses, holm oaks, black poplars, large elder trees, hackberry trees, or a striking yew tree in the Old BullringMany of them exceed 20-25 meters in height or reach ages close to a century, and even more in some cases.
Among all those illustrious veterans, the Sequoia of Las Eras stands out especially for several reasons: its exotic origin, its longevity, the spectacular diameter of its trunk, and its riverine location next to the Canal de Castilla, which provides a very particular scenery to this plant colossus.
Other remarkable trees in Valladolid: a stroll through the green city
The tree on the Canal de Castilla is not alone on the map of special trees in Valladolid. The city treasures a surprising collection of remarkable specimens scattered throughout squares, parks and avenues, many of which go unnoticed by those who don't look closely.
One of the best known is the Olive tree of Fuente Dorada, planted in the central square during the 1998 renovation. It is estimated to be around Age 100Despite having been relocated, its centuries-old roots continue to nourish it in the very heart of the city, where it has become a landmark and a the only olive tree listed as unique by the City Council.
Not far away, although already outside the historic center, another prominent olive tree appears in the Juan Carlos I Promenade, near Segovia AvenueThis copy pays homage to Jaime Gómez, the well-known “bishop of Delicias”a much-loved figure in the neighborhood. In addition to these two emblematic cases, groups of olive trees can be seen in spaces such as the slopes of Las Contiendas or Nueva del Carmen street, although without the degree of administrative singularity that Fuente Dorada possesses.
In the conifer category, the following stand out: “The Two Brothers”, the name by which it is known Two cedar trees located between the Library of Castile and León and the church of San NicolásAlthough they share a similar age range, it is estimated that they are between 70 and 90 years, their development is not identical: the highest reaches almost 25 metersOne is a few meters lower, while the other is a few meters lower, giving them a striking appearance of "unequal twins".
Another tree that surprises with its rarity is the Ginkgo of Campo Grande, belonging to the species Ginkgo bilobaIt's not the tallest or the oldest in the park (it's around 20 years and 11 meters), but it is one of the most curious from a scientific point of view: it is the The only living species of the class Ginkgopsida, with a presence in the fossil record dating back some 290 million years.He is often described as a true “living fossil”, descendant of trees that shared the landscape with dinosaurs.
In the Old Bullring, one of the most charming corners of the city, a yew tree with a very particular structureUnlike other trees with a clearly defined trunk, this specimen seems to emerge directly from the ground like a compact mass of intertwined leaves and branchesIt is notable for its reddish seeds, encased in fleshy arils that serve as a warning of its toxicity. This yew tree grows to around 50 years and reaches about 11 meters, and has become a silent protagonist of this historic courtyard.
The list of remarkable trees in Valladolid also includes species from more temperate or coastal environments, such as the giant palm trees from Las Moreras, With 12 meters tall and close to 60 years old, or a prominent Cedar of Lebanon in St. Paul's Square, of about 90 years old and 20 meters, famous for its characteristic ovoid pinecones. These are joined by a Notable fir tree in Campo Grande, which is around 30 meters tall and a century old, and an interesting Siberian elm in Las Moreras, of almost 80 years old and 24 meters, Among many others.
The Canal de Castilla: green corridor and biodiversity refuge
Beyond the sequoia, the Canal de Castilla itself is a a true ecological corridor that forms the backbone of the Tierra de Campos landscapeWith its 207 kilometers in length, it runs through large horizontal plains and becomes a lifeline where surprising biodiversity is concentrated, especially in comparison with the surrounding agricultural environment.
Except for the initial stretch, near Alar del Rey (Palencia), where the canal approaches the limestone slopes of Peña AmayaMost of the route runs through almost flat terrain, with a total elevation difference of barely 100-140 meters between the start and the finishThis gentle slope causes the water to flow slowly, an ideal situation for... marsh and subaquatic plants colonize the banks and so that authentic riverside forests can form.
Around the riverbed, the following develop gallery forests and riverside woodlands that accompany the canal's course. These riparian vegetation systems largely explain the enormous variety of plant and animal species that have been identified along its routeAlthough there is no comprehensive inventory, flora and fauna specialists estimate that the number of plant species could be around 1.000.
However, the landscape has not remained unchanged. Many of the Trees that were originally planted on the banks of the canal have been cut down over timeso that some sections have become practically devoid of tree cover. Even so, many well-preserved segments remain where The riparian vegetation remains lush and diverse, hosting mature trees, shrubs, aquatic plants and an intense animal life.
In certain locations, such as Melgar of FernamentalThe canal has been the subject of study and the collection of local knowledge by residents who know its banks intimately. One example is the work of Claudio Gutiérrez “the Canon”Born in 1928, he set out to record the names of numerous plants, fungi, and animals associated with the Canal de Castilla and its surroundings, so that that natural memory would not be lost with the passing of generations.
Riverside trees of the Canal de Castilla and the surrounding area of Valladolid
On the banks of the Canal de Castilla, and in general along the waterways of the area, they appear numerous tree species typical of riverbanks and floodplainsMany of these species are found in other rivers of the Meseta. Among the most prominent are various types of poplars, willows, and ash trees, accompanied by tamarisk, fig trees, and other wild fruit trees.
It is common to find among the poplars black poplar (black people) and white poplar (the white), in addition to the one known as the grey poplar or gray poplar, populus canescensThe white poplar is particularly striking due to the contrast between the dark green upper surface of its leaves and the underside covered in a whitish down. In fact, along certain sections of the Camino de Santiago, near the Canal de Castilla, it is marked. white poplar as one of the most characteristic species of the riverbank, able to reach about 25 meters and to stabilize the banks with its roots.
Los willows (Salix alba, S. fragilis, S. atrocinerea, S. salviifolia, S. purpurea) They form an essential part of these riparian forests. One of them, Salix atrocinereaIt is also mentioned in guides to the Camino de Santiago due to its presence on riverbanks such as that of the Ega River, but it is representative of many Cantabrian and Meseta riverbanks. Historically, willows have been used to obtain... salicin in its bark, a precursor of salicylic acid with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and its young branches have been used for basketry and riverbed protection.
These riverbanks are also home to trees such as the narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), the elm (Ulmus minor), the alder (glutinous alnus), the tamariz (tamarix gallica y African tamarix), fig tree (ficus carica) or walnut (Juglans regal), accompanied by species such as the almond tree (Amygdalus communis), moral (morus nigra) or acerola (Crataegus Azarolus)This mix of riparian trees and wild fruit trees creates a very varied mosaic that serves as shelter and food for birds, mammals and other animals.
In the urban area of Valladolid, in addition to the typical riverside species, the trees in parks and streets incorporate a great diversity of ornamental trees from around the worldMunicipal lists mention families such as Ginkgoaceae, Pinaceae, Taxodiaceae, Cupressaceae, Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Rosaceae, Leguminosae, Aceraceae, Oleaceae and many others, with species such as ginkgos, firs, Atlas and Lebanon cedars, Spanish firs, stone pines and holm oaks, sequoias sempervirens, cypress, thujas, birches, hornbeams, mulberries, magnolias, plane trees, maples, lindens, hardy elms, hackberry trees, rowan trees, chestnut trees or yews.
Many of these species are used differently depending on their purpose: some are reserved for parks and green areas (labeled as “P” in inventories)while others are primarily intended for Street trees (marked as “C”)In addition, certain trees are marked as introduced in the last ten years, and they are assigned a degree of abundance ranging from unique specimens (1) to very frequent species (3), thus helping to plan the diversity and balance of urban trees.
Fauna and flora associated with the Canal de Castilla: natural memory of Melgar
The biodiversity of the Canal de Castilla is not limited to its monumental trees. At some points along its route, such as in Melgar of FernamentalA very remarkable effort has been made to document the fauna and flora associated with the canalIn many cases, this is based on the traditional knowledge accumulated by the residents who have lived their entire lives alongside its waters.
the already mentioned Claudio Gutiérrez “the Canon”Born in 1928 in Melgar, he decided to compile in a text the names - many of them popular or vernacular - of plants, fungi, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds and invertebrates which he had observed for decades in the canal and its banks. His purpose was clear: that this collection would not be lost and would remain available to anyone who was curious about the nature of the place.
In their list of plants and herbs species appear such as elms, poplars, holm oaks, brambles, blackthorns, hawthorns, rosehips, ash trees, thyme, clover, nettles, poppies, heathers, rushes, sedges, reeds, wild oats and a long list of other local names, many of them related to traditional uses or morphological peculiarities. In addition, there are several types of edible fungi associated with thistles, poplars or heath areas.
Regarding animals, Gutiérrez distinguishes between land mammals (wild boar, roe deer, hare, rabbit, fox, weasel, marten, wolf, etc.), aquatic mammals (otter, mink, water rat), amphibians and reptiles (frogs, toads, snakes, lizards), fish (trout, barbel, tench, chub and others) and an abundant representation of aquatic and terrestrial birds.
Among the latests Moravia's compositions water birds cites species such as cormorant, ducks, geese, coots, kingfisher, heron, osprey, moorhen and various reedbed birds, while among the land birds mentions from From bustards and storks to quail, partridges, owls, barn owls, eagles, kites, bee-eaters, goldfinches, thrushes, nightingales or even bats, forming a truly extensive faunal mosaic.
To all this are added numerous insects, mollusks, annelids and centipedesButterflies, flies, beetles, bees, wasps, dragonflies, ticks, earthworms, leeches, crabs, woodlice, centipedes, and many others. This meticulous list serves to confirm that the canal is not only a historical infrastructure for irrigation and transport, but also a truly complex ecosystem, with multiple trophic levels and relationships between species.
The cultural and natural value of great trees: from the ancient yew to the Canal sequoia
The Sequoia of Las Eras is part of a broader tradition of Trees revered and admired for their size, age, or historyIn various parts of Spain, impressive examples of ancient trees are preserved, such as the famous yew trees of the Cantabrian Mountains or the yew forests that have survived the passage of centuries.
El common yew (Taxus baccata) It is a tree with a fascinating history. It is a conifer that, in certain parts of the Iberian Peninsula, forms very shady forests between 1.300 and 1.500 meters above sea levelwhere it barely allows other species to grow beneath its canopy. Its ancestors have been growing in Europe for a long time. about 15 million yearsAnd similar forms already existed when dinosaurs still walked the earth during the transition from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous period, about 140 million years.
Culturally, the yew tree has awakened so much veneration as fearFor the Celtic druids it was a sacred tree, but its toxicity also made it infamous: the ancients The Astures and Cantabrians used it to commit suicide rather than be taken prisoner.And it is said that the Numantians used infusions of its red fruits in 133 BC to avoid Roman domination. Specimens of it still exist today. 1.500 and 2.000 years between in places like the Sierra de Guadarrama or the famous yew tree of Bermiego (Asturias).
One of the most spectacular ensembles is the Tejeda de Tosande, in Palenciawhere nearly 800 yew trees in a mountain valleyThis enclave, included in the Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre – Montaña Palentina Natural Park, has become one of the most recommended nature tours in the provinceGetting there involves crossing holm oak and oak forests, climbing a gorge and reaching a clearing with views before entering the yew forest itself.
To protect this ecosystem, it has been installed a wooden walkway over which the final path runs, minimizing trampling and direct damage to the roots. Factors such as low reproductive rate of the yew treeCompetition from trees such as beeches or browsing by deer and roe deer on their shoots makes careful management necessary if the survival of these ancient plants is to be ensured.
In this scenario, other forest species are also mixed in, such as holm oaks, sessile oaks, Pyrenean oaks, beeches, holly, hawthorns, rowans and hazel treesalong with a smaller flora consisting of orchids, dandelions, liverworts, and other understory plants. The fauna includes deer, wild boar, dormice, martens, and on exceptional occasions, Cantabrian brown bearsall of this under the flight of blackbirds, thrushes, warblers, middle and lesser spotted woodpeckers, griffon vultures, goshawks or short-toed eagles.
The parallelism between the Tejeda de Tosande and the Sequoia of Las Eras It's obvious: both represent long-lived and large trees in the area of Castile and LeónAlthough they are very different species and have very different histories. While yew trees are native and form ancient woodlands, the sequoia is an exotic species brought from overseas that has nevertheless become a symbol of Valladolid's urban tree heritage and the natural wealth linked to the Canal de Castilla.
Walking along the banks of the canal and pausing before the Sequoia of Las Eras, or contemplating the other unique trees of Valladolid, one becomes aware of To what extent are these giant plants part of our collective memory and of the biodiversity that sustains urban and rural life?Protecting them, getting to know them, and enjoying them with respect is a simple and powerful way to keep alive the link between the city, the landscape, and the nature that surrounds us.
