Methuselah:  Meet the Oldest Tree in the World (and It's Still Growing!)

 May 17th , 2024

TEAM LTG

Journey into the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to meet Earth's oldest known living tree! 

High in the White Mountains of Inyo County, California, this resilient tree calls the Methuselah Grove home. 

Methuselah's Location:

Based on tree-ring dating, Methuselah is over 4,850 years old, meaning it was alive when the Egyptian pyramids were built!

Tree Rings Tell Tales:

Methuselah belongs to the Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) species, renowned for its longevity. 

Species:

Slow growth, dense wood, and the ability to withstand harsh conditions contribute to its incredible lifespan. 

Survival Secrets:

The exact location of Methuselah is kept secret to protect it from vandalism and potential damage. 

Hidden for Protection

A Chilean tree, Alerce Milenario, is estimated to be even older based on modeling, but its age hasn't been confirmed. 

Challenger to the Throne?

Efforts to conserve ancient trees like Methuselah are crucial to understanding the Earth's past and ensuring a healthy future for our forests. 

Protecting the Past