The World’s Oldest Trees

Blog The World’s Oldest Trees

by Wilson Tree Surgery | 25th Oct 2023

These are the world’s oldest trees, silent witnesses to history, bearers of wisdom, and guardians of Earth’s ancient past. Join us as we explore the trees that have stood the test of time and continue to thrive against all odds.

Methuselah 

Topping the list of the world’s oldest trees is Methuselah, a Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) residing in California’s White Mountains. This extraordinary tree is estimated to be over 4,800 years old! Discovered in 1957, Methuselah was once considered the oldest living organism on Earth. Its exact location is kept secret to protect it from harm.

Prometheus 

Before Methuselah’s discovery, another Great Basin bristlecone pine named Prometheus held the title of the world’s oldest tree. However, in 1964, a researcher cut down this ancient tree for study, not realizing its true age. It was determined to be around 4,900 years old, making it even older than Methuselah. 

The Llangernyw Yew

In the heart of Wales stands the Llangernyw Yew (Taxus baccata), an estimated 4,000 to 5,000-year-old yew tree. This ancient tree has been around for countless generations and is often associated with Celtic and Druidic traditions. 

Sarv-e Abarqu 

In Iran, a cypress tree known as Sarv-e Abarqu or the “Zoroastrian Sarv” has been around for 4,000 years and is closely tied to Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions.

The Sugi of Jomon

Japan is home to several ancient Jomon Sugi trees (Cryptomeria japonica) on Yakushima Island. Some of these trees are estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, making them some of the oldest trees in Asia. The Jomon Sugi trees serve as reminders of Japan’s rich history.

The world’s oldest trees serve as a bridge between the distant past and our present. They offer invaluable insights into the history of our planet and remind us of the importance of conservation. These ancient trees are not just living organisms but living records of time, and we must strive to protect and preserve them for future generations to appreciate. As we marvel at their longevity, let us also take inspiration from their resilience in the face of countless challenges, just as they have withstood the test of time.