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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Grandmother of All Oak Trees



The Angel Oak is a Southern Live Oak tree located in Angel Oak Park, in Charleston, South Carolina, on Johns Island, one of South Carolina's Sea Islands. 


The Angel Oak is thought to be one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi River ~ It is estimated to be in excess of 1500 years old. 


The Tree stands 65 ft tall, measures 28 ft in circumference, and shades with its crown an area of 17,000 square feet. Its widest crown spread point-to-point is 180 ft, which is longer than any other live oak in the country. Its longest limb is 105 feet in length. 


This is going to be a "MUST SEE" in our not too distant future!


And here for more! 


*** I came across info on this glorious tree not long after I read a book by Piers Anthony, The Shade of the Tree. The book is about a gigantic Live Oak in Florida that has the capability of conscious thought and is able to communicate with humans via telepathy. (Now wouldn't that be fun?!) I can see this tree with that kind of capability! ***

11 comments:

  1. That's only a few hours drive from me.I'm putting it on my list of wonderful things to see. :)

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  2. i love old trees like that! you can imagine elf cities in them!

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  3. Had no idea oaks could spread like that. And I have to read that book!!

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  4. Amazing the way its limbs spread out and grow on the ground!

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  5. What a wonderful tree!! We don't have Live Oaks this far north, but we have a number of other oak species. Sadly, we lost a number of truly ancient ones this past Monday in the storms, including a couple of wind wrapped tornadoes that went through. Fortunately none right here in my garden or neighborhood, but in nearby towns. It is SO sad to see the giants that have lived through so much, to be suddenly ripped from the ground. Yes, it's time to go hug a tree that you love.

    I'll have to read that book! I'll pick it up next week! Perfect timing! I've always though that trees communicate, but we collectively as humans, don't listen, or don't understand what they are saying.

    Thanks for sharing this true beauty!

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  6. What a awsome tree! Just think of the stories it could tell!
    We as humans upon this living earth don't listen to the Mother and we have forgotten how to care for her.... we will pay for that!

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  7. What a beauty! You and I both love Oaks I know...I'm blessed that where I live there's a lot of "grandmother/grandfather" Oaks as well. When (not IF) I hope you'll take lots of photos :)

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  8. Danni ~ Please share your trip with us when you go to visit this lovely lady! And lots of pics please! :0)

    Suzie, it is always so sad when great trees fall. Like losing a member of the family.

    I had my first experience with Live Oaks when we moved to Louisiana. Absolutely majestic trees - with their long sweeping branches and enormous canopies. And they are so resilient. Weathering hurricane after hurricane. Just amazing!

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  9. What a very beautiful tree !!! I love the way the branches grow like tentacles !!
    The book you mention sounds great too.
    Have a magical day.

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  10. Absolutely stunning - thanks for helping me add something to my "must see list" too!!

    Cheers!

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  11. Now that's a perfect climbing tree. Love trees like that and would love to see it in person.

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