The Great Oak

USA / California / Temecula /
 tree, oaks, interesting place
The largest, natural-growing indigenous coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia ) tree in the United States. It is estimated to be anywhere from 850 to 1,500 years old making it one of the oldest oak trees in the world.

It is so large, that upon walking up to it one might assume that it is a large tree surrounded by many smaller trees. Upon closer inspection, it is revealed that the "smaller trees" are in fact branches that grew too heavy and began growing towards the ground, only to climb back up again to the sky. This causes the tree to seem like it is enveloped by itself to create a chamber that has been used as a meeting and ceremonial place for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians for hundreds of years.

Nearby Great Oak High School is named after this tree.


references:
www.pechanga-nsn.gov/page?pageId=12
www.oldtemecula.com/pechanga/greatoak.html
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   33°26'52"N   117°5'52"W

Comments

  • Love the photos!
This article was last modified 10 years ago