Many ancient trees have a lifespan that predates human civilization, having survived numerous geological and climatic changes on Earth.
Pando Aspen (approximately 80,000 years old): At first glance, the trembling aspen known as Pando in Utah, USA, appears to be a forest. In reality, this forest consists of a single tree that is about 80,000 years old, connected by over 40,000 stems. According to the USDA, Pando is one of the oldest and largest living organisms in the world. The entire forest spans over 43 hectares and comprises saplings that have grown from a single mother tree, connected by an extensive underground root system. Each trunk has a lifespan of about 130 years. Notably, each sapling is an exact clone; if one dies, its roots will regenerate a new tree nearby.
Jurupa Oak (13,000 years old): The Jurupa Oak is the oldest known clonal oak tree in the world, located in the Jurupa Mountains of Crestmore Heights, Riverside County, California, USA. Scientists estimate it has existed for at least 13,000 years, although it may be even older. The Jurupa Oak was first discovered by botanist Mirch Provance in the 1990s. It grows in clusters that only thrive after wildfires, from which its burnt branches sprout new shoots. The oak consists of about 70 trunks in a bush covering an area of 25×8 meters and stands 1 meter tall. It is the only oak living in a much drier climate at a lower elevation compared to where Palmer oaks of the same species typically thrive. On December 16, 2021, the World Kings Union (WorldKings.org) officially recognized the Jurupa Oak as the “Oldest Palmer Oak in the World.”
Old Tjikko (9,550 years old): Old Tjikko, located on Mount Fulufjället in Dalarna, Sweden, is a Norway spruce that has lived for 9,550 years, despite being less than 5 meters tall. Scientists indicate that Old Tjikko is still growing. They used carbon dating to determine the age of its root system. The main trunk is estimated to be just a few hundred years old, but the tree has survived much longer through asexual reproduction methods. Specifically, it has produced cuttings that fell to the ground and took root or grew new trunks from its roots. Before geologist Leif Kullman discovered it in 2004, Old Tjikko remained unnamed. He later named it after his deceased dog.
Gran Abuelo: This ancient cypress tree is found in Alerce Costero National Park in Chile and is believed to be the oldest known living tree in the world. Initially dated at 3,464 years old, recent studies by botanists have confirmed that this tree is actually 5,484 years old. This coniferous species can grow up to 60 meters tall and develops very slowly. Although it has survived and thrived for thousands of years, scientists believe the future of Gran Abuelo remains uncertain. Climate change and prolonged droughts are gradually damaging this majestic ancient tree. Additionally, increasing tourist visits to admire Gran Abuelo’s beauty pose a threat to its longevity.
According to Mother Nature Network, the Methuselah Tree, located on the White Mountains in California, USA, is known as the oldest tree in the world, with an estimated age of around 4,841 years. The exact location of the tree is kept secret to prevent vandalism. (Photo: Rick Goldwasser).
Sarv-e Abarqu, or Zoroastrian Sarv, is a cypress tree located in Yazd Province, Iran. This tree is at least 4,000 years old, closely coinciding with the dawn of human civilization. Sarv-e Abarqu is considered a national monument in Iran and is the oldest living organism in Asia. (Photo: Ninara.)
This is a cypress tree located at a small church in the village of Llangernyw, North Wales. The tree is approximately 4,000 years old, dating back to the Bronze Age, and continues to thrive today. In 2002, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, this cypress was named one of the 50 Great Trees of England. (Photo: Emgaol.)
Alerce is the common name for the Fitzroya cupressoides species that towers high in the Andes mountains. Researchers have found it nearly impossible to determine how long these trees can live, as most were felled for timber in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many botanists believe that Alerce is the second longest-living tree species on Earth, after the Bristlecone Pine in North America, with the oldest known Alerce estimated to be around 3,640 years old. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons.)
The Senator, located in Florida, is the largest cypress tree in the United States, with experts estimating its age to be around 3,500 years. (Photo: Wikimedia.)
Patriarca da Floresta, belonging to the Cariniana legalis species, grows in Brazil and is estimated to be around 3,000 years old. Although this ancient tree is considered sacred, its species is severely threatened due to deforestation in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. (Photo: Bocaberta.)
The Vouves olive tree on the island of Crete, Greece, is one of the 7 oldest olive trees in the Mediterranean. Scientists estimate that this tree is over 3,000 years old but continues to thrive, resisting drought, pests, and fire. (Photo: Camel Jane Doak.)
The Jōmon Sugi, located in Yakushima, Japan, is the oldest and largest cryptomeria tree on the island. It is estimated that the Jōmon Sugi appeared on Earth at least 2,000 years ago, with some experts believing it to be over 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees in the world. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons.)
General Sherman is a giant sequoia tree located in Sequoia National Park, California, USA, with an estimated age of around 2,500 years. The largest branch of the tree broke in 2006, damaging part of the surrounding fence and causing a depression in the adjacent walkway. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons).
The largest and oldest chestnut tree in the world grows on Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy. The age of the tree is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years. This chestnut tree is recorded in the Guinness World Records as the largest tree by circumference, measuring 58 meters. (Photo: LuckyLisp).
