The Oldest Oak Trees in the World

Where are they located

C. L. Beard
4 min readSep 22, 2023
Photo by Tom Geerts on Unsplash

Lists of the largest oaks around the earth are open to discussion because they are not universal in nature. In general, trunk diameter or circumference is used in the measurement of height. Oak trees with substantial weight don’t reach high elevations. The comparatively shorter oak containing a huge canopy may be the sexiest — with a few exceptions. The following are some examples of the significant American Oak tree species that each have one or more combinations. Although none has claimed the title of the largest at all points each has an interesting historical story.

Following are some of the oldest trees.

The Angel Oak

Angel Oak is named simply ‘The Tree.’ The tree is found in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island, South Carolina. This magnificent example of southern live oak is about 65 feet tall and its circumference is 28 feet and has an estimated age of over 400 years. The name of its name is believed to be influenced by the slave owner named Julius Angel who owned the house. Another Local Legend says the tree’s name was derived from dead slave spirits appearing in angels around the tree. Angel Oak sheltered the area for more than 1200 square feet with branches that penetrate the soil below.

Major Oak

Age estimate: 800–11,000 — Age: Live Location: Edwinstow Sherwood Forest England Oaks types: Quercus Robur photo sources: Wikipedia Major Oak is a huge oak tree located in Sherwood Forest Nottinghamshire, England. There are legends and mythology behind this tree. The legend states the tree containing Robin Hood’s shelter arose. According to stories, Robin had a happy night in that tree. It is surely big enough that this can happen and it is one of the biggest oak trees in all of England at around 22 tonnes.

Oldest Oak Tree In Europe

A huge oak tree named Kongaegen in Copenhagens royal hunting forests has been estimated to be about 1,500 years old but scientifically it cannot be determined. The Bowthorpe Oak trees are estimated at around 1000 years old. Many youngsters play on this tree in the world park due to its many generations of animals. Its low size allows it to comfortably hold 39 standing and 13 sitting people, which makes it a perfect party place. In fact, Bowthorpe Oak is considered by many royalties to be one of their favorite attractions in a state park. The tree’s crown of beautiful green foliage surrounds its 42-foot-long trunk.

Bowthorpe Oak

Age: 750–1000 years. Status: dead Locations: Bourne, Lincolnshire. Oak species: Quercus robur. The oak tree’s age is estimated at about 1000 and is the oldest in the UK. Certainly, the tree is large. The rim is 12.30 meters long and is about 35 feet long. It sits at Bowthorpe Park Farm and is available to the general public, ensuring thousands of people view the tree year after year. Is it true? The small hollow interior can accommodate 20 people at any one time!

The Pechanga Great Oak Tree

Alive Location: Temecula, CA United States. Oak species: Quercus agrifoli. Photo sources: pechanga-nsn.gov. Great Oak in Pechanga. It was also the oldest remaining oak. It grows in a location previously called Great Oak Ranch. It land is currently part of the Pechanga Reservation. Therefore, it remains protected and is backed by federal trusts. To the indigenous Pechangas, it has a profound spiritual significance.

Seven Sisters Oak

Age estimate: 1000–1 1500 Status: Active. Locations: Mandeville Louisiana United States Oak species: Quercus virginiana. The seven-sister oak is an enormous oak tree in the Mandeville area of Louisiana. It is the largest oak tree in the United States. Its name represents king oak, the remnant of an older period of the wood. The oak has traditionally been called the “Doby’s Seven Sisters”, because the oak was located within the Doby family’s homestead. She was one of six sisters, hence this title was established.

Can An Oak Tree Be 1000 Years Old?

Credit: Pinterest Big Tree is one of America’s famous live oak species. Lamar survived hurricanes fires and even the millickin 1865 battle causing the whole town to collapse. A tree has a lifespan of between 400 and today. Nursery trees may last up to 100 years or longer with proper care. Oaks can reach a height of 65 ft and has broad dense crowns. Generally, oaks are susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. White oaks have been around for 300 generations and are the longest-lived trees in America.

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C. L. Beard
C. L. Beard

Written by C. L. Beard

I am a writer living on the Salish Sea. I also publish my own AI newsletter https://brainscriblr.beehiiv.com/, come check it out.

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