6 of The Oldest Trees in The World

There are group of trees that have lived for thousands of years however they are some singular trees that have lasted by itself over a millennium.

These prehistoric trees have stood witness to the rise and fall of societies, endured shifting climates, and even persisted thought the rise of human kind. They are a proof to the long view that Mother Nature takes in tending the Earth. If you have some older trees at home ensure they are safe if not look into tree removal service. Now let’s look at some of the oldest living trees.

Gran Abuelo

Age: 3,646 years
Species: Patagonian Cypress
Located: Chile

The Gran Abuelo (which is Spanish for “great grandfather”), is located in the Alerce Costero National Park in Chile, is the oldest tree in South America. It stands at least 60 m tall and has a diameter of 4 m (13 ft) and a border of 11 m (36 ft). They were able to determine the Gran Abuelo’s age in 1993 when academics used a growth ring to verify its age – they projected that the tree was around 3,622 years old.

At this age the Gran Abuelo sprouted around 1,500 BCE. Many areas around the tree were recently logged, including much bigger trees that means it many not have been the oldest in the grove.

Aubépines

Age: 1555 years
Species Common Hawthorn
Located: Saint Mars sur la Futaie, France

This ancient tree is the oldest tree of any species in France. It is next to the church at Saint Mars sur la Futaie, in Mayenne.This tree id 9m and is 265 cm in circumference. It has an inscription beneath on a plaque which says: “This hawthorn is probably the oldest tree in France. It found that it goes back to St Julien (3rd century)”, however this hasn’t been verified. 

Methuselah

Age: 4,850 years
Species: Great Basin bristlecone pine
Located: Inyo County, USA

Until 2012, Methuselah was thought to be the oldest tree until 2012 was the oldest known tree in the world. It was discovered in 1957 by Tom Harlan and Edmund Schulman at that time it was thought the tree was 4,789 years old. The tree is named after the oldest Biblical character, Methuselah, who lived until 969 years old.

This tree grows in Inyo County, California in the Methuselah Grove in the White Mountains. It is surrounded by other ancient trees. Its exact location is kept secret to keep the tree safe.  It is projected that Methuselah sprouted around 2832 BCE.

Old Tjikko

Age: 9,550 years
Species: Norway Spruce
Located: Sweden

The Old Tjikko was first found in Sweden in 2008, it was stated the world’s oldest tree and projected to be about 10,000 years old. While Old Tjikko has come to be known as the “world’s oldest tree” it’s as old as the Jurupa Oak (over 13,000 years), which was found a year later.

Old Tjikko is also a copy, however it’s not in a colony like Jurupa Oak and Pando. The Old Tjikko redevelops new branches trunks, and roots in the same location. The root arrangement of Old Tjikko is over 10,000 years old,

Olive Tree of Vouves

Age: 3000 years

Species Olive Tree

Located: Crete, Greece

This olive tree is situated on the Greek island of Crete. It is one of the 7 olives tree in Greece thought to be at least 2,000 to 3,000 years old. However, scientists don’t know the its exact age and it can’t be verified. Tthe Olive Tree of Vouves, estimated at over 3,000 years old and It still produces olives, which are highly prized. Olive trees are robust and drought-, disease- and fire-resistant — due to this is the reason for their endurance and their widespread usage in the area.