The World's Most Amazing Trees

From 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines to organisms that bleed scarlet resin when cut, each of these trees is a marvel in its own way.

Every tree is a miracle.

From their expansive networks of roots to their vibrant displays of leaves, flowers, and pinecones, trees are some of nature's most extraordinary organisms. As humans, our existence depends on their ability to recycle carbon dioxide, move water, and release oxygen, and their fallen leaves and decayed roots are vital to the health of the soil. In short, we couldn't exist without them.

Even though every tree is special, some are admittedly more awe-inspiring than others. Here are some of the world's most extraordinary trees (but remember that each tree outside your window is just as worthy of your appreciation).

6. Methuselah​, California

The bristlecone pine called Methuselah is 4,851 years old, making it the second oldest tree in the world. It can be found in the White Mountains of California, but its location is a well-kept secret. Even if its location was publicly available, the tree wouldn't be easy to reach—it sits 11,000 feet above sea level, clinging to the edge of a desolate cliff.

The actual oldest tree in the world, another bristlecone pine located near Methuselah, was discovered in 2013, and its exact location has also been kept a secret.

Both of these trees are maps of the last five thousand years on Earth, and their rings contain evidence of ancient hurricanes, plagues, global freezes, and atom bomb explosions. They were seedlings when the Egyptians built the ancient Pyramids, and now, they're imposing witnesses to the passage of time.

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