Top 12 Oldest Trees
This ranking lists the world's oldest known individual trees based on scientific dating methods like radiocarbon analysis. Age data reflects Earth's ecological history with significant research value.
Interesting Facts & Summary
Topping our list of the 12 oldest trees is Methuselah, a Great Basin bristlecone pine located in the White Mountains of California, aged over 4,850 years. To put this into perspective, when this tree was just a sapling, the Ancient Egyptians hadn't even begun the construction of the Great Pyramids of Giza. To shield these 'living fossils' from vandalism, their exact locations remain a strictly guarded state secret. Compared to these titans, the rise and fall of human empires are but a fleeting moment. As of 2026, researchers speculate that undiscovered individuals in the region might exceed the 5,000-year mark, potentially challenging the current record.
| Rank | Name | Age (years) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Methuselah | 4855 | California, USA | |
Prometheus | 4900 | Nevada, USA (cut down) | |
Alerce Milenario | 5484 | Chile | |
| 4 | Old Tjikko | 9550 | Sweden (clonal colony) |
| 5 | Pando | 14000 | Utah, USA (clonal colony) |
| 6 | The Senator | 3500 | Florida, USA (burned 2012) |
| 7 | Balmoral Oak | 2000 | United Kingdom |
| 8 | Fuji Cherry | 2000 | Yamanashi, Japan |
| 9 | Zarv Oak | 1500 | Iran |
| 10 | Lirian Cypress | 4000 | Mexico |
| 11 | Sacred Bo Tree | 2300 | Sri Lanka |
| 12 | Confucius Temple Cypress | 2100 | Shandong, China |