The Angel Oak is thought to be one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi River — estimated to be in excess of 1500 years old. This Southern Live Oak stands 65 feet tall, measure 25.5 feet in diameter, and shades an area of 17,000 square feet. Its longest limb is 89 feet in length.
Angel Oak’s massive, draping limbs and wide spreading canopy are truly breathtakingly huge. I’m glad we found our way to this somewhat ‘off the beaten path” sight after driving by for many, many years.
Angel Oak on Johns Island, SC | Click for a second photo
“one lightning storm away…”
It actually suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Hugo in 1989 but has since recovered. Human interference is usually mentioned as the tree’s largest threat by supporters.