The Angel Oak is a southern live oak tree located in Angel Oak Park, on Johns Island, SC (directions). Angel Oak is estimated to be around 1,500 years old. It stands 65' tall, 9' in diameter, and the crown covers an area of 17,000 sq/ft'. It's longest limb is 89'.
The Angel Oak is thought to be one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi River. Acorns from Angel Oak have grown to produce authentic direct-offspring trees. Live oaks generally grow out, not up, but the Angel Oak has had plenty of time to do both. Its limbs, the size of tree trunks themselves, are so large and heavy that some of them rest on the ground - some even grow underground for a few feet before coming back up - a feature common to only the very oldest of live oaks. Angel Oak has survived countless hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, & human interferences. It was damaged severely during Hurricane Hugo but has since recovered.
Live oaks are native to the Lowcountry. They are not very tall, but they do grow a wide canopy. Lumber from the live oak forests of the coastal islands were highly valued for shipbuilding in the 18th - 19th centuries. Angel Oak stands on part of Abraham Waight's 1717 land grant, one of several plantations he owned. The tree and surrounding park have been owned by the city of Charleston since 1991. In the spring and summer there are numerous artistic events, including the "Evening Under the Angel Oak" series, which feature music, dramatic presentations, and various other activities, especially during the Spoleto Festival in May/June. Sign the SAVE THE ANGEL OAK TREE petition today!
