[Named by Lindley after Arthur, first duke of Wellington (1769–1852): see -IA1.] The popular name in England of Sequoia (Wellingtonia) gigantea, a large coniferous tree, native of California; the ‘big tree’ or Washington cedar.
[1853. Gard Chron., 24 Dec., 820/1. Wellington stands as high above his contemporaries as the Californian tree above all the surrounding foresters. Let it then bear henceforward the name of Wellingtonia gigantea.] Ibid., 823/3. These considerations seem to leave no room for doubt that Wellingtonia is an entirely new coniferous form.
1868. Morning Star, 18 June. A group composed of three gigantic Wellingtonias.
1880. Miss Braddon, Just as I am, xxvii. Gardens rich in monkey-trees, deodaras, Wellingtonias.
