This tree, the Linden Oak, is the tallest and oldest White Oak tree in Maryland, and possibly the oldest tree in the state. Its age is estimated to be over 275 years. A plaque (one of three) embedded in a rock on a nearby road states that this tree was a sapling almost two decades before George Washington was born.
It is in such a strange location that it is very difficult, despite its size, to notice. The elevation of the ground in which it sits is anywhere from 20 to 30 feet lower than that of the streets surrounding it. In short, it blends entirely too well with its surroundings. The three plaques that tell an observer that they are in the presence of a unique piece of agriculture are embedded in stones at ground level and are not only difficult to notice, but practically camouflaged. I have ridden my bike past this intersection many times and have never noticed a plaque. I certainly didn’t notice the largest white oak in the country sitting 10 feet away from the path.
Despite its ability to keep a low profile, this tree has great significance. It was named the Maryland Bicentennial Tree on account of its age, but also in an effort to save it from destruction. The Metro tracks run not 20 feet away from the branches of this tree. The Metro was supposed to run right through the location of the tree, but the efforts of a member of the community and a Maryland Delegate, Idamae Garrott, saved the tree. This was done by naming it the Bicentennial tree.
The tree’s story is further complicated as its lowest and largest branches have been removed, hiding its age from afar, just as cosmetic surgery will tend to do. It’s when you get close that you really begin to understand. The tree has a large footprint. In fact, no grass grows in the shadow of the tree, and when you step into that area where grass has been replaced (almost sadly) by wood chips which are presumably from the lower limbs of the tree, you know that this tree has been growing for centuries.
I am well aware of the fact that this is not the shot to prove its size, but I like this shot as I feel it helps with the story I wanted to tell. I’ve included a link to another picture without the sign, but I will admit that my work with this tree is not done. I will do this tree justice, but I will need to retun there to do so.
3 responses so far ↓
1 bryanintimonium // Sep 10, 2008 at 1:18 PM
While this tree is nice – I prefer the Wye Oak, may she rest in peace.
2 shelly // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:25 AM
Its okay bryan, you can go visit the Wye Oak remnants in the governor’s office.
I wish *my* desk was made out of the largest white oak in the US. sigh.
3 Linden Oak « Maryland Daily Photo // Jan 25, 2010 at 7:54 AM
[...] we return to the subject of a post from a year ago, the Linden Oak, which is the tallest and oldest white oak tree in Maryland. I had the chance to [...]
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