The Oldest and Largest Living Trees

1. Bristlecone Pine

The bristlecone pine is now thought to be the oldest living tree. Two names are used

for this plant. Pinus aristata is used for a western pine that has some of the oldest

trees in the white mountains of California. The needles are in clusters or 5 and the

small cones have bristles. Pinus longaeva is sometimes used just to refer to the

specific plants in the white mountains. The common name ancient pine is used.

Bristlecone pine has been dated to over 4900 years old. These trees are not the

typical evergreen tree, but large trunks with green branches here and there, and not

all solid growth. They are very picturesque plants.

2. Redwoods

The redwoods or sequoia’s are the next oldest living trees. Sequoia sempervirens

is one of the largest (over 360 ft. tall) and oldest trees, some dated to over 2200 years

old.

3. Other Large trees

The kauri pine (Agathis australis) in New Zealand, and the Eucalyptus in western

Australia also grow to considerable size.

3. Other Old Trees

Alaska Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) can live up to 1600 years.

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) can live up to 1200 years.

Western Larch (Larix occidentalis) can live up to 900 years.

Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) can live up to 750 years.

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and White Oak (Quercus alba) can live up to 600

years.

White Pine (Pinus strobus) and Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) can live up to 500

years.