The Oldest Known Trees In The World

Old TjikkoOld Tjikko was long considered the world's oldest living tree. However, it is a clonal tree, meaning it regenerates new trunks, branches, and roots. This means it keeps regenerating from itself over millennia. Scientists dated its age using carbon dating on genetically matched material found under the tree.

Location:Fulufjället Mountain, Dalarna province, Sweden
Status:Alive

In 2022, scientists in Chile found a possible new oldest living tree candidate: an alerce, named Alerce Milenario or Gran Abuelo (great-grandfather), in Chile's Alerce Costero National Park. Researchers used computer modeling and old methods to estimate the tree's age at 5,484 years. ScienceScience, because researchers did not take a full sample of rings from the tree, other tree experts might doubt the findings.

Location:Alerce Costero National Park, Chile
Status:Alive

One of the oldest living trees is also one of the oldest living organisms on the planet.oldest living organismsThis tree took root in 3050 BCE, nearly 500 years before the Great Pyramid of Giza was built. The Roman Civilization would not start for another 2,200 years. This tree witnessed Jesus's birth and death, plus the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and much of recorded history.the Roman Empire, and most of recorded history.

Location:White Mountains, California, USA
Status:Alive

This Great Bristletcone Pine was found to be 4,850 years old. Until 2012, it held the title of the oldest known living tree globally, having been cored in 1957 with 4,789 rings. The tree germinated in 2832 BCE, making it one of the oldest organisms on Earth.4,789 ringsThe tree germinated in 2832 BCE. This makes it one of the oldest organisms on the planet.

Location:White Mountains, California, USA
Status:Alive

PrometheusPrometheus was a Great Basin Bristlecone Pine tree that might have been 5,000 years old when it was cut down in 1964. A graduate student worked with the United States Forest Service for research and felled Prometheus. It is unknown why Donald Currey cut the tree instead of just coring it, but he did. The oldest known tree then was killed for further studies.

Location:Wheeler Peak, Nevada, USA
Status:Dead. Donald Rusk Currey cut down the tree in 1964

Sarv-e Abarkuh, the Cypress of Abarkuh, is a Mediterranean Cypress tree in Iran. The Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran designated it a National Natural Monument, and it is a popular tourist spot. Experts estimate the tree is between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, though it lacks a core. Iranian culture has used the tree for so long it has its own story suggesting Zoroaster planted it.planted by Zoroaster.

Location:Abarkuh, Yazd, Iran
Status:Alive

The Llangernyw Yew is a male Yew tree. Queen Elizabeth designated it one of the Fifty Great British Trees during her Golden Jubilee. This tree sits in the churchyard of St. Digain's Church. It is believed to have grown there for 4,000 to 5,000 years. The Yew Tree Campaign designated it within that date range in 2002.The Llangernyw YewThis is believed to be the oldest Yew tree globally and the oldest living thing in Britain.

Location:Llangernyw, Conwy, Wales, UK
Status:Alive

The oldest knownYew TreeA 4,112-year-old Yew Tree was found in Zonguldak province, Turkey, in 2012. This tree is 4,112 years old and ranks among the five oldest living trees worldwide. Ring studies showed a Yew Tree left untouched by humans can survive 4,000 years naturally.

Location:Zonguldak, Turkey
Status:Alive

Charles Darwin, a traveling naturalist, scientifically named the oldest living tree in South America in honor of his ship's captain.Gran AbueloIt stands in Chile, where it is listed as endangered. The tree measures 196 feet (60 m) tall and has a 13-foot (4 m) diameter.

Location:Cordillera Pelada, Los Ríos, Chile
Status:Alive

Before a 2012 fire destroyed it, The Senator was the largest and oldest Bald Cypress Tree globally. While living, it reached 125 feet (38 m) tall and had a trunk diameter of 17.5 feet (5.3 m). Investigations showed arson by Sara Barnes, who received a 30-month jail sentence.ArsonSara Barnes was convicted and jailed for 30 months.

Location:Longwood, Florida, USA
Status:Destroyed by fire on January 16, 2012

Not only isOliveira do MouchãoOliveira do Mouchão is the oldest tree in Portugal, estimated at 3,350 years old. It still produces olives. Few European Olive Trees over 2,000 years old exist in Portugal, and even fewer produce olives at that age.

Location:Mouriscas, Abrantes, Portugal
Status:Alive

D-21D-21 was never named because it was discovered dead. Analysis showed the tree exceeded 3,200 years old. Indications pointed to a natural death, not human felling or other unnatural means.

Location:Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Status:Dead

D-23 was one of four ancient Giant Sequoia trees in Sierra Nevada, California that died naturally. It was already dead when found, allowing for an accurate age measurement. It died at 3,220 years old, making it one of the oldest Giant Sequoias ever found.

Location:Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Status:Dead

The President stands 247 feet tall in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California. Its diameter measures 27 feet (8.2 m), and it is estimated to be about 3,200 years old. This tree is not the tallest or widest Giant Sequoia. It is the second-largest tree globally and the oldest of its kind. U.S. President Warren G. Harding named it in 1923.

Location:Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Status:Alive

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka is believed to be the southern branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi, the spot where Lord Buddha reached Enlightenment. People planted the tree in 288 BCE; this makes it the oldest living tree planted by humans. Buddhism considers it a very sacred relic. In 2014, the Government banned building within 500 meters of the tree.

Location:Mahamewna Gardens, Anurahapura, Sri Lanka
Status:Alive