distance between the smallest and largest tree on the planet

Find out how many stacked dwarf willows it would take to reach the top of the world’s tallest tree

To understand how many dwarf willows would be needed to reach the top of the largest tree on the planet, it is essential to analyze the approximate dimensions of each of these species. The study offers a comparative analysis between the dwarf willow, known for its small size, and one of the world’s giant trees, considering the most recent data available in 2025.

The dwarf willow (Herbaceous Salix), a recurring species in regions with cold climates and high altitudes, stands out as one of the smallest trees identified. Meanwhile, the giant sequoia, called Hyperion, has held the title of tallest tree since its discovery, located in Redwood National Park, USA. Comparing these two species highlights a huge contrast in size and adaptability.

What is the average height of the dwarf willow and the largest tree in the world?

According to recent botanical studies, the dwarf willow usually grows to around 5 to 6 centimeters high up, often remaining at ground level due to the inhospitable conditions of its environment. The largest tree in the world, the redwood called Hyperion, reaches impressive heights 115.92 metersbased on records from 2025. This value is widely recognized among specialists in dendrology and forest conservation.

Given this considerable difference, it becomes interesting to calculate how many times the modest height of the dwarf willow would scale to the monumental height of Hyperion. The calculation requires unit conversion to maintain consistency and accuracy of comparisons.




While the dwarf willow dominates the icy tundra, Hyperion thrives in moist, nutrient-rich forests – depositphotos.com/filedimage

While the dwarf willow dominates the icy tundra, Hyperion thrives in moist, nutrient-rich forests – depositphotos.com/filedimage

Photo: Giro10

How to calculate the number of dwarf willows needed to match Hyperion?

To determine the exact number of dwarf willows needed to reach the top of Hyperion Sequoia, measure 115.92 meters converted to centimeters, totaling 11,592 cm. As the dwarf willow reaches approximately 6 cm in height, the calculation can be summarized as follows:

  • Hyperion height: 11,592 cm
  • Average height of the dwarf willow: 6cm

By dividing the height of the largest sequoia by the height of the smallest willow, we arrive at the result:

  1. 11,592 cm ÷ 6 cm = 1,932 dwarf willows

This value means that it would take approximately 1,932 dwarf willows stacked vertically to reach the height of Hyperion’s summit. Using the lower average of 5 cm per dwarf willow, the number would rise to approximately 2,318 specimens.

What curiosities surround the contrast between the dwarf willow and the Hyperion?

The comparison between species serves to demonstrate the diversity of the plant kingdom and the way in which plants adapt to different climatic and soil conditions. While the dwarf willow survives in the less fertile soils of high mountains or tundra, the Hyperion redwood grows in rich, protected environments, absorbing significant amounts of water and nutrients.

Furthermore, he draws attention to the fact that both are considered trees despite their differences in size. The dwarf willow, even with its small size, develops a woody trunk and branches typical of a tree, even if it goes unnoticed in the middle of the undergrowth. The redwood, with more than two thousand years of existence, represents one of the oldest living organisms on the planet.

  • While the dwarf willow is a symbol of survival in extreme conditions, Hyperion has become a benchmark for botanical achievements and environmental conservation.
  • The study of these two trees helps to reinforce the importance of biodiversity for ecological balance.

Thinking about the plant universe highlights the enormous range of adaptations and records found in nature, sparking curiosity for other remarkable examples of plants and trees in different regions of the globe.



From the almost invisible tree to the arboreal giant, both demonstrate the complexity and force of nature – depositphotos.com/luckyphotographer

From the almost invisible tree to the arboreal giant, both demonstrate the complexity and force of nature – depositphotos.com/luckyphotographer

Photo: Giro10