Our beautiful old-growth trees are infants compared to Old Tjikko, a little Norway spruce tree on top of Fulufjallet Mountain in Sweden.

The 13-foot tall tree, at an altitude of 2,985 feet, has a root system that carbon dating revealed to be 9,500 years old in 2008, when Guinness World Records declared Old Tjikko the oldest living individual tree (roots).

Although the roots have survived almost 10,000 years, and are part of an ancient clonal organism, the trunk is actually only hundreds of years old, according to Atlas Obscura. And, adding to the geriatric tree phenomenon, researchers say that nearby there is a cluster of 20 spruce trees over 8,000 years old.

Old Tjikko had a bad time one recent winter, though. In February 2023, a mountain guide reported heavy snow had taken out the top part of the tree, making it look “particularly rough.” Old Tjikko will be fine, though, since most of the tree and roots are underground. (Photo: Jonas Mattsson)