15 Oldest Trees In The World No Lumberjack Should Touch

For the dendrologists of our society, the oldest trees in the world are the sources of study. Like the oldest things in the world, trees that have stood for thousands of years have survived turmoil, wars, and natural disasters. Their thick bark saw world-changing events and many people passing by them. Their roots have reached deep into the world, soaking up water and nutritious resources from the ground to stay alive for many years. The oldest tree in the world, for example, has stood and used the Earth for survival for thousands of years.

4,854 years — that is how long the world’s oldest tree has stood on Earth, living off the land. It was able to survive disasters that range from earthquakes to wildfires, which are very common in the California area (at least in recent years). The reason for this survival is the basic composition of every long-living tree.

The oldest living tree in the world has to have the ability to survive through the good and bad times — through drought and rainy seasons. So, it’s not a wonder why these trees are either huge and full of leaves or small and look like dried-up bones sticking from the ground.

While you might now know one or two things about the oldest tree ever, there is more to learn about it. After all, with some trees reaching the age of over 1,000+ years, their barks hold secrets that no one will ever know.

While lumberjacks might be afraid to cut them down, no one will be angry if you upvote your favorite old tree. So be sure to upvote old trees in the list below that you like. If you have any information to share, do so in the comments below.

15 PHOTOS

#1 Methuselah - 4854 Years Old

Named after a biblical patriarch, Methuselah, nicknamed the Death of Sword, is 4,854 years old and the oldest living tree in the world. Methuselah, the person, was known for his longevity and old age. The location of this tree is hidden by US agencies due to the fear that it will be cut down by a random person.

#2 Sarv-E Abarqu - Between 4000 And 5000 Years Old

While the exact age is unknown, Sarv-E Abarqu is believed to have been planted between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. If the rumors are true, this tree was planted by Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism. Sarv-E Abarqu is located in Iran, which protects it through the Cultural Heritage Organization.

#3 Llangernyw Yew - 4000–5000 Years Old

Trees and mystic powers have been entangled since the middle ages when witches were still persecuted. Between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, Llangernyw Yew is located in North Wales and is visited regularly on Halloween. The reason is that ghosts and voices reside inside the tree on the eve of Halloween.

#4 Alerce - 5000 Years Old

According to the rings inside it, Alerce Milenario might be the oldest tree in the world. With 5000 rings estimated to be present, scientists believe this tree might be 100 years older than the current record holder, Methuselah. Due to the chance of it being the oldest tree, the Chilean government has increased its efforts to protect it.

#5 Patriarca Da Floresta - 3020 Years Old

The Patriarch of the forest, this tree is estimated to be 3,020 years old and might be the oldest non-conifer tree in Brazil. Patriarca Da Floresta is located in the Vassununga State Park and is a popular tourist destination. The tree itself has become the centerpiece of the park, as it is one of the oldest and largest trees in the Atlantic forest area.

#6 The Senator - 3500 Years Old

In the swampy state of Florida, this tree was around 3,500 years old when it got destroyed. Gifted to Seminole County in 1927 with the surrounding area, The Senator was one of the oldest trees in the United States, and today only its remains can be seen. It caught on fire when someone used nearby debris to light up an illegal substance.

#7 Olive Tree Of Vouves - 4000 Years Old

One of the oldest trees in the world, it still produces olives even after so many years of existence on Earth. Elia Vouvon, known more commonly as the Olive Tree of Vouves, stands in Greece, and it's estimated to be 4,000 years old. Its branches were used to weave victors' wreaths for several Olympic games

#8 Jōmon Sugi - From 2100 To 7000 Years Old

Found on a remote Japanese island, Jōmon Sugi might be the oldest tree in Japan and the whole world. Estimates of its age range from 2,100 to 7,000 years, so in general — it’s an old tree. Jōmon Sugi is protected by UNESCO, and if a person wants to see it, then they are going to need to hike for it.

#9 Chestnut Tree Of One Hundred Horses - Between 2000 And 4000 Years Old

Thriving near Mount Etna, a volcano, this tree has been in both legends and laws for several centuries. The Hundred-Horse Chestnut was said to be used by the Queen of Aragon and her troops when they wanted to get away from a thunderstorm. On 21 August 1745, an act was issued and the tree fell under the protection of the local government.

#10 General Sherman - Over 2000 Years Old

Currently one of the largest (volume-wise) and tallest living trees in the world, General Sherman is 83.8 m (275 ft) tall, but is not the largest in recorded history. Named after one of the greatest generals of the Civil War, this tree is said to be over 2,000 years old and is located in the Sequoia National Park.

#11 Kayano Ōsugi - Around 2300 Years Old

Seen as a sacred tree by the local temples, Kayano Ōsugi is estimated to be around 2,300 years old. Commonly known as the Great Sugi of Kayano, scientists have discovered some artifacts around it that predate recorded history. In 1947, Emperor Shōwa visited the tree during the National Sports Festival of Japan.

#12 Lady Liberty (Bald Cypress) - 2000 Years Old

2,000 years old, Lady Liberty is the last remaining giant in the Big Tree Park after The Senator was burned down. Thanks to this fact, the tree has become a popular tourist attraction. This surge of people raised the question of safety, and the government decided to put more secure barriers around it.

#13 Tnjri (Oriental Plane) - 2000 Years Old

While its lower part might be hollow enough for 40 people to fit in and larger than your standard NY apartment, this tree's roots are still connected to Earth. Tnjri of the Oriental Plane species is estimated to be 2,000 years old. Throughout those years, this tree has been visited by Armenian historians, musicians, and even the founder of the Armenian alphabet.

#14 Stara Maslina - 2000 Years Old

Located in Montenegro, Stara Maslina is one of the oldest trees of the olive species in the world, yet it did have its batch of bad luck. At some point in its existence, one whole side was burned down. According to local myths, some men who were playing cards near it threw a match and accidentally burned the side of the tree.

#15 The Pechanga Great Oak Tree (Coast Live Oak) - 2000 Years Old

California has some of the largest trees in the world and the (presumably) oldest oak on Earth. The Great Oak, or Wi’áaşal, is one of the largest and oldest trees in the Western United States, estimated to be 2,000 years old. To the Pechanga people, this tree is a cultural symbol, while for the local animals, it provides shelter and protection.