The majestic beauty of trees cannot be overstated. They can be found all over the world in different shapes and sizes, with some of the oldest and largest trees have been around for centuries. From the Chinese Ginkgo to the California Redwood, these trees have all withstood the test of time and have been admired for their grandiose size and age.
Here are the 10 biggest and oldest trees worldwide.
General Sherman Tree – USA
The General Sherman Tree, a Giant Sequoia located in Sequoia National Park in California, is the largest tree in the world. It is estimated to be around 2,300 to 2,700 years old and stands at an awe-inspiring 275 feet (83.8m) tall with a trunk circumference of 100 feet (30.48m). It weighs an estimated 1,385 tons and is believed to be able to support up to 2,000 people during a single visit. The tree is named after General William Tecumseh Sherman, the leader of the Union Army during the Civil War.
Hyperion Tree – USA
The Hyperion Tree, a coast redwood located in Redwood National Park in California, is the tallest tree in the world. It stands at an incredible 379.7 feet (115.7m) tall and is estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old. It is named after the Titan god of light from Greek mythology, and its height has been confirmed by laser measurements. The tree is also estimated to weigh around 500 tons, and its bark is believed to contain fire-resistant properties.
Llangernyw Yew – Wales
The Llangernyw Yew is the oldest tree in the UK and is located in the village of Llangernyw in North Wales. It is estimated to be around 4,000 to 5,000 years old and is one of the oldest living things in Europe. The tree is approximately 30 feet (9.1m) tall and is a part of a churchyard in the village, with its age and importance having been recognized by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.
Methuselah Tree – USA
The Methuselah Tree is a 4,800-year-old Great Basin bristlecone pine located in the White Mountains of California. It is the oldest known living tree in the world and is estimated to be between 4,845 and 4,950 years old. It stands at the height of 25 feet (7.6m) and has become a symbol of longevity and resilience. The tree is named after the biblical figure Methuselah, who is said to have lived for 969 years.
Sarv-e-Abarqu – Iran
The Sarv-e-Abarqu is a 4,000-year-old cypress tree located in the Abarkuh region of Iran. It stands at an impressive height of 50 feet (15.2m) and is believed to be the oldest tree in Asia. The tree is surrounded by a circular stone wall which was built to protect it from livestock and visitors. It has become a popular tourist spot in the region and is considered to be a symbol of strength and longevity.
Jōmon Sugi – Japan
The Jōmon Sugi is a 4,000-year-old cedar tree located in Yakushima, Japan. It is the oldest tree in the country and stands at the height of 23.6 feet (7.2m). It is estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old and is believed to be the source of the Jōmon period in Japan, which lasted from 14,000 BC to 300 BC. The tree is said to possess spiritual powers and is revered by locals.
Angel Oak Tree – USA
The Angel Oak Tree is a 500-year-old live oak tree located in Angel Oak Park in South Carolina, USA. It stands at an impressive height of 66.5 feet (20.3m) and has a circumference of 28.6 feet (8.7m). It is estimated to be between 500 and 400 years old and is believed to have been a witness to the slave trade in the area. The tree has become a popular tourist attraction and is said to possess spiritual powers.
Senator Tree – USA
The Senator Tree is a 3,500-year-old bald cypress located in Longwood, Florida. It stands at the height of 118.9 feet (36.3m) and is estimated to be around 3,500 years old. It is said to be the oldest known living tree east of the Rockies and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. It is named after Senator M.O. Overstreet, who bought the land in 1925 and protected the tree from being cut down.
Pando Tree – USA
The Pando Tree is a clonal colony of quaking aspen located in Fishlake National Forest in Utah, USA. It is estimated to be between 80,000 and 1 million years old and stands at an impressive height of 106 feet (32.3m). It is believed to be the oldest and largest living organism in the world and is made up of over 47,000 genetically identical stems. The tree is also believed to weigh in at an impressive 6,000 tons and is an example of the power of nature.
Sarv-e-Babak – Iran
The Sarv-e-Babak is a 2,500-year-old cypress tree located in the Babak Castle region of Iran. It stands at the height of 26 feet (7.9m) and is believed to be the oldest tree in the Middle East. It is said to have been planted by the Sassanid emperor Babak Khorramdin and is surrounded by a circular stone wall that was built to protect it from livestock and visitors. The tree has become a popular tourist spot in the region and is considered to be a symbol of strength and longevity.
These 10 biggest and oldest trees worldwide are a testament to the wonders of nature and the power of resilience. Each of these trees has stood the test of time and has become a symbol of strength, hope, and longevity. They are a reminder that nature can be a powerful and resilient force and that we must work to protect these majestic living monuments.