This gigantic pine is Big Tree, AKA Big Red, the biggest Ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa, ever recorded. It’s located in LaPine State Park, north of La Pine, Oregon. Though it lost 30 feet of its crown during severe storms, it is still the largest Ponderosa pine in circumference.
Here are some facts about this tree:
LaPine State Park Manager, Joe Wanamaker, gave insights about Big Red in an article in the local Source Weekly. He thought it was spared from being logged due to evidence of fire damage. This may have affected the quality of the wood harvested. Wanamaker also pointed out this tree is growing in an ideal location where water tends to collect in the soil from the nearby Deschutes River.
A paved, ADA accessible, 1/4 mile trail leads to this unique sight. Foot traffic around this much-loved attraction caused soil compaction that threatened its growth. A protective fence was constructed around it in the year 2000.
In this map of the park, from Oregon State Parks, Big Tree is located in the lower right corner.
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I wonder how many 'Big Trees' there are in the world? I posted a photo of one myself yesterday, from Zimbabwe, and I'm sure I've seen several others on my travels!
Yes, there are registries of big trees. In the U.S., it's at americanforests.org. Lots of giants out there!
I'll have to check that out next time we're coming over :)
That's a big one, Siobhan. Loved the shot and the stats that you shared. I would love to see one of these giant trees one day. Thanks for joining! See you on the 12th!
Thanks, Parul! It was a BIG tree.
That is a giant tree indeed! Pines do not grow in my part of the world. Maybe I can see this some day!
Yes, it is gigantic! Hope you get a chance to see it someday.