Top 10 Oldest Trees in the World

Located in White Mountain Ranch, California, USA, Methuselah is a ancient bristlecone pine tree estimated to be between 4,855 and 5,065 years old. It is considered one of the oldest living organisms on Earth and has been designated as "a national natural wonder" by the US National Park Service. Due to its age, the exact location of Methuselah is kept secret to prevent vandalism and protect the tree from over-visitation. The exact age of this ancient tree remains a mystery, adding to its allure and mystique.

This 4,950-year-old stone pine tree (Pinus pinea) is found in the Kanaris Peninsula on the Greek island of Lemnos. Its incredible age has made it one of the oldest living trees, surpassing Methuselah's estimated age by some years. Despite its age, the tree remains healthy and continues to grow, albeit slowly. Prometheus is named after the Titan from Greek mythology, who was known for his wisdom but also stole fire from Zeus.

Also known as the "tall white spruce," this ancient conifer is located in Alberta, Canada, and is estimated to be around 4,800 years old. Its age makes it one of the oldest living trees in North America, with some of its DNA showing evidence of ancient plant migrations across continents. The tree's immense size was surprising, reaching an average height of 60 feet (18 meters) above ground level.

This subalpine fir is found in western Montana and Idaho, USA, and is estimated to be around 4,900 years old. Due to the harsh conditions it has adapted to, this ancient tree stands at over 80 feet (24 meters) tall, with a trunk diameter of over 15 feet (4.5 meters). Abies lasiocarpa was once thought to be extinct in certain regions but continued to thrive underground.

Often called "the oldest living thing on Earth," this Quaking Aspen colony is estimated to be around 80,000 years old, making it much younger than the other trees on the list. However, if considered a single organism, its massive network spans over 100 acres and contains an estimated 47,000 tree trunks. Pando's incredible age can be explained by its unique ability to regenerate from underground roots.

This ancient evergreen is found in various locations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with some specimens believed to be thousands of years old. The oldest known specimen was discovered on the island of Sicily and dates back around 4,000-5,000 years. Despite its age, the yew remains an important food source for birds, providing seeds that contain vital nutrients.

Located in Nevada's Great Basin National Park, this bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is estimated to be around 4,855 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees known. Due to its remarkable resilience and adaptability, this ancient tree has survived massive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions without sustaining significant damage.

Found in the White Mountains on California's eastern edge, the Ancient One bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is estimated to be around 4,900 years old. Situated at a high elevation of about 9,000 feet above sea level, this tree thrives with low levels of oxygen and an abundance of precipitation. The exact age of this ancient tree remains confirmed.

This massive sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) located in California's Sequoia National Park is estimated to be around 4,700 years old. It stands at over 100 feet tall and has a trunk diameter of about 30 feet, making it one of the oldest living things on Earth if we consider size rather than age.

Found in Sweden's Abisko National Park, this Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is estimated to be around 9,550 years old, making it the oldest non-clonal tree known to date. The exceptional longevity of Old Tjikko remains a mystery, as scientists struggle to explain its ability to continue growing and thriving despite centuries of harsh winters and challenging environmental conditions.