Sequoyah and Sequoia 

Some disputes seem to be present among botanists about whether Sequoyah was source for name of Sequoia tree.  Apparently even as eminent an authority as Asa Gray has questioned the link, and the namer of Sequoia (Endlicher, 1847), left no notes to explain his choice of name.  Web link may not persist, but is here: http://www.botanik.uni-bonn.de/conifers/cu/se/index.htm.  This web article makes formal citation here:  Hartesveldt, Richard J.; Harvey, H. Thomas; Shelhammer, Howard S.; Stecker, Ronald E. 1975. The giant sequoia of the Sierra Nevada. Washington DC: National Park Service. An engaging but professional (if a bit dated) treatment of the largest conifer.