Missouri is home to some of the oldest oak trees in the United States.
The bur oak, also known as the burr oak, is the species of oak tree that has been able to survive for centuries in Missouri.
In this blog post, we will explore two of the oldest bur oak trees in Missouri, the McBaine Burr Oak and the Big Tree.
Key Takeaways:
- The oldest oak trees in Missouri are bur oaks, which can live for hundreds of years and become giants.
- The McBaine Burr Oak is the largest burr oak tree in Missouri and is estimated to be between 350 and 400 years old. It stands alone, with no other tree within 1,000 feet, making it a rare natural landmark.
- The Big Tree is a nearly 400-year-old bur oak tree near the Missouri River in Boone County, Missouri. It is tied for the national champion of its species, Quercus macrocarpa, representing the largest tree of its kind in the United States. The tree stands alone in the floodplain of the Missouri River, near the city of Columbia, Missouri, and is a well-known landmark that has inspired artists, folklorists, photographers, and nature lovers for hundreds of years.
- The McBaine Burr Oak and the Big Tree are symbols of resilience and strength, and they remind us of the importance of preserving our natural resources. Oak trees are an important part of our ecosystem, and we must do our part to protect them for future generations.
McBaine Burr Oak
The McBaine Burr Oak is located near Columbia, Missouri, and is estimated to be between 350 and 400 years old.
It is the largest burr oak tree in Missouri and is tied with another in Kentucky for the title of the national champion (largest) of the species, Quercus macrocarpa.
The tree’s trunk has an impressive 287-inch circumference, and it is approximately 90 feet tall with a 130-foot spread.
It stands alone, with no other tree within 1,000 feet, making it a rare natural landmark.
The McBaine Burr Oak has withstood storms, droughts, floods, vandalism, and the progress of humankind, making it a symbol of resilience and strength.
The Big Tree
The Big Tree is another bur oak tree near the Missouri River in Boone County, Missouri, and is nearly 400 years old.
It is tied for the national champion of its species, Quercus macrocarpa, representing the largest tree of its kind in the United States.
The tree stands alone in the floodplain of the Missouri River, near the city of Columbia, Missouri, and is a well-known landmark that has inspired artists, folklorists, photographers, and nature lovers for hundreds of years.
The Big Tree is a medium to very large tree with a broad, spreading, rounded crown, a massive trunk, and low, large, spreading branches.
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Big Tree is somewhere between 350 and 400 years old, having sprouted sometime in the 1600s.
The size of the tree has made coring and accurate dating difficult.
Before You Go
If your looking to buy oak trees or any other type of tree, I highly recommend NatureHills.com
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They always have sales and discounted nursery stock and are well worth your time to check out.
And also I have some other articles you might find interesting.
I’ll leave links to them below.
