People have been fascinated by trees for thousands of years. The Germanic peoples, the Celts and many other peoples even had particularly impressive specimens at the center of their religion. The gnarled oaks of the Celtic Druids are just as legendary as Yggdrasil, the mythological world ash of the Scandinavian tribes. Even today, there is still great fascination with trees that are thousands of years old.
Which is the oldest tree in the world?
The oldest tree in the world varies depending on definition: the clonal Norway spruce “Old Tjikko” in Sweden reaches an age of about 9,500 years through its root system, while the non-clonal long-lived pine in the USA is over 5,000 years old and is considered the oldest stand-alone tree.
“Every branch of a tree knows a story – an old tree is history.” (Klaus Ender, German-Austrian author and artist)
Which is the oldest tree in the world?
4000, 9500 or even 80,000 years, how old is the oldest tree in the world actually? This question cannot be answered specifically, which is why you can find different information about this very special individual. The answer to the question of which tree is the oldest is primarily a matter of definition. Trees grow very differently, either clonally or non-clonally, and therefore reach different ages - and that is why there is basically no such thing as “the” oldest tree. However, numerous trees or groups of trees can be identified that are several thousand years old.
Clonal trees
Parts of this tree in Sweden are over 9000 years old
Strictly speaking, clonal trees are clones that sprout either alone or in groups from a common root system. The tree clones reach an age of several thousand to even tens of thousands of years, as shown by the Norway spruce “Old Tjikko” in the Swedish national park (Dalarna region). This single clone is said to be an incredible 9,500 years old, although the dating only applies to parts of its root system. The above-ground parts of “Old Tjikko”, however, are only a few centuries old.
So why is “Old Tjikko” considered one of the oldest trees in the world when the actual tree is actually not that old for a spruce? The reason for this classification is the ability of this coniferous tree species to reproduce itself again and again from the root system - practically to clone it. If the old spruce trunk dies, a new, genetically identical one grows out of the surviving root system. Some tree species have this ability to repeat vegetative self-propagation. Another impressive example of such ancient clone trees is Pando, an approximately 14,000 year old clone colony of American quaking aspens. This is considered the oldest and heaviest living creature on earth.
Non-clonal trees
This pine tree may not look very impressive at first glance, but it is 4700 years old
In contrast to clonal trees, which practically constantly grow from their root system, non-clonal trees are actual individuals whose above-ground parts such as trunk and crown have been exposed to wind, weather and history for thousands of years defy. These impressive figures often don't show their age at first glance, but people are still amazed when they look at them. Some of these trees germinated at a time when Bronze Age people in Europe were just learning to work metal. The oldest non-clonal trees primarily include the following individuals:
- Long-lasting pine: this unnamed tree in the USA is said to be over 5,000 years old and has been officially considered the oldest tree on earth since 2013
- Methuselah: a long-lived pine (Pinus longaeva) in Inyo National Forest (Nevada, USA), estimated age over 4,700 years
- Prometheus: was also a long-lived pine, but was felled in 1964 to determine its age. Her age: 4862 years
The appearance and exact location of the oldest tree - as well as other impressive tree specimens such as "Hyperion", the tallest tree in the world - are kept secret by the American Forest Service in order to prevent crowds of visitors and thus endangering the trees. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting the American national parks, for example the already mentioned Inyo National Forest. There are numerous “Methuselahs” here, which are estimated to be several thousand years old. Who knows, maybe scientists will find an even older specimen there soon?
Background
The most powerful trees in the world
A visit to the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park in California (USA) is also worthwhile. Not only are the tallest trees here, but also some of the trees that are several thousand years old. This also includes the General Sherman Tree, which is considered the mightiest tree in the world with an estimated age of 2,500 years and a volume of 1,490 cubic meters. And the giant sequoia tree (Sequoiadendron giganteum) has not yet finished its growth. In second place among the mightiest trees on earth is another giant sequoia, which is around 1,900 years old and 1st.357 cubic meter General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park in California.
Which is the oldest tree in Germany?
In Germany, around 90 billion trees grow in just 90 different species. These are not nearly as old in this country as the examples from Sweden or the USA just presented. However, there are some “thousand-year-old” oaks, lindens and yews here, although they are rarely actually 1000 years old. These trees are more likely to be between 500 and 800 years old and the term “millennial” refers to a generally old age. Nevertheless, they are very impressive individuals who were famous centuries ago because of their peculiarity and are worth looking at:
| Name | Genus | Approximate age | Trunk circumference | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Oak | Oak | 800 to 1100 years | 11 meters | Dausenau (Rhineland-Palatinate) |
| Old Yew from Balderschwang | Yew | 800 to 1500 years | 8, 1 meter | Balderschwang (Bavaria) |
| Thousand-year-old linden tree | Summer linden tree | 500 to 1200 years | 10, 5 meters | Puch (Bavaria) |
| Dancing linden tree | Summer linden tree | 800 to 1000 years | 8, 3 meters | Effeltrich (Bavaria) |
| Big Marie | Pedunculate oak | 800 years | 6, 65 meters | Berlin (oldest tree in Berlin) |
| Linde in Schenklengsfeld | Summer linden tree | 1000 years | 17, 4 meters | Schenklengsfeld (Hesse), is considered the oldest tree in Germany |
| Thousand-year-old yew tree | Yew | over 900 years | – | Kirchwistedt (Lower Saxony) |
| Friederike oak | Pedunculate oak | around 1000 years | 8, 11 meters | Hude (Lower Saxony) |
| Giant linden tree in Heede | Summer linden tree | 500 to 1000 years | 15, 39 meters | Heede (Lower Saxony), is considered the largest linden tree in Europe |
| Yew on Haus Rath | Yew | more than 800 years | 4, 5 meters | Krefeld-Elfrath (North Rhine-Westphalia) |
| Femeiche | Pedunculate oak | 600 to 850 years | 12 meters | Raesfeld alder (North Rhine-Westphalia), oldest court tree in Europe |
The following video introduces the most impressive old trees in Germany:
Excursus
The Ivenack oak trees in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
If you are on vacation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, you should definitely take a look at the Ivenack oak trees. The impressive group of English oaks are between 500 and 1000 years old and are therefore among the oldest trees in Europe. They can be admired in the extensive park of Ivenack Castle near Stavenhagen (Mecklenburg Lake District). A special attraction here is a treetop path that was built just a few years ago and is also accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
The Ivenack oak trees are worth a visit
How can trees get so old?
Hardly any other living being can reach such an old age as trees. First and foremost, the ability to reach a truly biblical age lies in the modular structure of trees: In contrast to humans and many animals, their body elements that are important for survival are present multiple times and are constantly repeated. If a person's heart stops, they die - but if the middle of a tree's trunk rots away, they can still survive. Trees are able to easily regrow and replace lost parts - such as branches and twigs torn away by a storm.
In addition, many trees - such as the long-lived pine Pinus longaeva - do not have a life cycle with a programmed end like many annual summer flowers. While a dandelion blooms, then puts all its energy into producing seeds and finally dies, trees are true survivors.
Permanent renewal
In short: Their ability to grow constantly and therefore to renew themselves helps the trees to live to a great age of several hundred to a thousand years. Although individual parts of the plant - because that's what it is - die again and again, the organism itself continues to grow and replace the lost organs.
However, at some point the tree's own growth will be fatal, because large trees are more difficult to provide with sufficient water and nutrients than small ones, and the giants are much more exposed to the elements of the weather such as storms and heavy rain. This is also the reason why many very old trees are not necessarily tall. Exceptions such as the giant sequoia trees in the USA confirm the rule.
Cloning as a survival strategy
Some tree species that are primarily at home in difficult habitats follow a very special survival strategy. Spruce and pine trees have the ability to continually regenerate themselves from a common root system - even if the trunk, which is not particularly old, dies on the surface. In this case, a new clone simply grows from the underground roots, which has the same genetic material and is genetically completely identical to its predecessor.
Location and environmental conditions
The oldest trees often stand alone
It is striking that the oldest trees in Germany are not in forests - but instead often as individual specimens on a village square, in a castle park or in a parsonage garden. Forest trees, on the other hand, rarely if ever reach such an age - why is that? The reason for this is quite simple: German forests have been intensively managed for centuries, and up until 150 years ago the former primeval forests were almost completely cut down to create fields and settlement areas. After that, reforestation took place slowly, and forests are still used as forestry areas. On average, a forest tree only lives a few decades before it is felled for further economic use.
The village lime tree and the park tree did not share this fate; instead, these trees were nurtured and cared for. This is particularly true for the village linden trees, which often formed the center of the village and were considered a place of jurisdiction.
How do you measure the age of a tree?
The older a tree is, the more difficult it is to determine its age. Many very old specimens no longer have a complete trunk; instead, it is broken into individual trunks and the inner, oldest parts are missing. In this case, a simple count of the annual rings or radiocarbon measurement (C14 dating) cannot be carried out; instead, the age is estimated based on various factors. Dendrochronologists, so-called annual ring researchers, are responsible for such estimates. By the way, it is not necessary to cut down the entire tree to determine its age: Instead, where possible, the researchers carry out core drilling, take samples and can then count the annual rings.
Historical Documents
Sometimes historical documents help determine the age of a tree. For example, there are records from the late Middle Ages about the planting of a particular tree at the location in question, or documents or paintings from the last 300 years that show the specimen as a very old tree - in the hollow interior of which, for example, soldiers were hidden of the cavity.
Old drawings and paintings help determine the age of trees
How old can trees generally get?
Depending on the location, growing conditions and environmental influences, the different tree species reach very different age ranges. Typically, city trees do not grow nearly as old as their natural counterparts, which has to do with the higher concentration of exhaust gases and fine dust, the strong compaction and soil closure, but also the use of road s alt in winter. In the following table we have compiled the average life expectancy of common trees in Germany for you:
| Type of tree | Latin name | Average life expectancy |
|---|---|---|
| Apple tree | Malus domestica | around 50 years |
| Amber tree | Liquidambar | 100 years |
| Hazel Tree | Corylus colurna | 80 years |
| Sycamore maple | Acer pseudoplatanus | 400 to 500 years |
| wych elm | Ulmus glabra | 400 to 500 years |
| pear tree | Pyrus | 50 years |
| rowan tree | Sorbus aucuparia | 80 to 100 years |
| Ash | Fraxinus excelsior | 250 to 300 years |
| Chestnut | Castanea sativa | 450 to 500 years |
| Field maple | Acer campestre | 150 years |
| hornbeam | Carpinus betulus | 150 years |
| Plane tree | Platanus | 300 years |
| Horse Chestnut | Aesculus hippocastanum | 150 to 200 years |
| Common beech | Fagus sylvatica | 200 to 300 years |
| Sand Birch | Betula pendula | 60 to 80 years |
These tree species grow particularly old
Basically, slow-growing trees reach a much older age than fast-growing trees, which explains the predominance of oaks, yews and linden trees among the tree species. Yew trees are also highly toxic, making the species almost invulnerable to pests and pathogens. In Germany, these tree species in particular reach a very old age:
| Art | Latin name | Life expectancy |
|---|---|---|
| European Yew | Taxus baccata | 1000 years |
| Summer linden tree | Tilia platyphyllos | 900 to 1000 years |
| Pedunculate oak | Quercus robur | 500 to 1000 years |
| Sessile Oak | Quercus petraea | 700 years |
| White Fir | Abies alba | 600 years |
Frequently asked questions
Which is the oldest tree species in the world?
Charles Darwin described the Ginkgo biloba as a “living fossil”; after all, these trees have been on earth for 70 million years, longer than any other tree species. Ginkgo are neither deciduous nor coniferous trees, but belong to a botanical class of their own.
Can you determine the age of a tree yourself?
Dendrochronologists also use a so-called tree table to determine the age of many trees. To do this, you must measure the trunk of the tree at a height of one meter and multiply this measurement (in centimeters!) by a factor that varies depending on the species. This gives you a probable age based on the thickness growth, although this has an inaccuracy of several decades. The following table gives you an overview:
| Type of tree | Multiplying factor |
|---|---|
| Oaks, linden trees | 0, 8 |
| Chestnuts, yews | 0, 7 |
| Beech, maple (except field maple) | 0, 6 |
| elm, fir trees | 0, 6 |
| Ash, alder, poplar trees | 0, 5 |
| Spruce, larch | 0, 5 |
| Walnut tree | 0, 5 |
Tip
Bonsai trees can also live for several decades or even centuries, depending on the type and care. In Japan, some particularly old specimens are even considered family heirlooms.