Southern Live Oaks
The south is full of magnificent oak trees–in fact, they are almost an emblem of the south. They set the scene for many a southern movie or TV show. Their long, beautiful branches grow down and then up giving them their unmistakable look.
Live oaks can live a very long time. Some live oaks are estimated to have lived for hundred or even a thousand years which is pretty amazing if you think about it. They have to survive droughts, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes to live that long.
The Largest Oak Tree in the United States
But it was only a few years ago when I heard that the largest Oak Tree in the United States is actually located right here in Mandeville, Louisiana. Pretty cool, huh?
The largest Oak Tree in the United States (currently) is called the Seven Sisters Oak Tree. It was originally called Doby’s Seven Sisters when the Doby family owned the property but it has since been renamed. It is the “president” of the Live Oak Society which means it is the largest Oak Tree registered with them.
How Big is the Seven Sisters Oak?
At last measurement, the Seven Sisters Oak Tree was thirty-nine feet around and fifty-seven feet high. The limb spread is greater than one hundred fifty-three feet. Foresters estimate it to be about 1200 years old! At one time it was suspected that the tree was actual several trees that had grown together but a study done in the 1970s disproved this theory.
Where is the Seven Sisters Oak Located?
If you want to visit the Seven Sisters Oak Tree, unfortunately it is located on private property. You CAN see it from the street, however. It is located in the Lewisburg neighborhood right near the lake. If you drive down Fountain Street towards the lake, you will see it on your right. There are a couple of large Oaks on the property so look for the biggest one! It’s fairly close to the house on the property as well. Be a good citizen and do not trespass!
This might be a fun drive to take if you’re tired of being cooped up in the house. You can go see the largest Oak in the US and not even leave the comfort of your car!
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Thank you for sharing.
I did know that. If only trees could speak.
The stories they would tell.
WHAT ABOUT THE FRIENDSHIP OAK ON THE USM GULF PARK CAMPUS IN LONG BEACH, MISSISSIPPI?
The Friendship Oak is a member of the Live Oak Society. Its circumfrence is listed on wikipedia as being approximately 19.8 feet.
What are the dimensions of the Live Oak at St. John’s Cathedral in Lafayette?
I’m not sure but the Live Oak Society keeps a list of registered oaks and has the dimensions listed as well.
I did a quick Google search and the Cathedral Oak is a founding member of the Live Oak Society. It’s last measurement was taken in 2015 and at that time it was 29 feet, six inches. Quite a beautiful tree!
Sorry. We have a larger oak tree in CA. It almost burned down in the current Apple Fire, but firefighters were able to save it. https://www.pe.com/2014/06/24/oak-glen-trail-planned-to-countrys-largest-known-oak-tree/
https://www.britannica.com/plant/live-oak Beautiful tree but I believe Katy is speaking of Southern Live Oaks
Unfortunately, I can’t post the photo of all the firefighters sitting on the roots of this huge tree mentioned in the short post, below.
AWESOME STORY
Crews were able to save the largest oak tree in the U.S. The #Applefire ran through the hills near Oak Glen, CA, where this historic tree is located, but today it’s still standing tall. Thank you to all the personnel who’ve been working so hard over the last week ❤️
The Angel Oak in Charleston SC, may not be as wide but much taller and covered more area and is older. It stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). From tip to tip Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. the age of the Angel Oak is around 1,500 years old
Thanks for the article! I grew up a few blocks from the Oak near Lake Ponchartrain, and it is impressive to see. The limbs that swoop to the ground are bigger than most trees!