Große Eiche bei Ottersdorf, Ancient oak tree in Altmannstein, Germany.
The Große Eiche bei Ottersdorf is a monumental tree with an unbranched trunk rising roughly 5 meters (16 feet) before expanding into a broad crown. This crown reaches a diameter of about 24 meters (79 feet) and gives the tree its distinctive, spreading appearance.
The tree began its growth around 400 years ago and has developed slowly over the centuries, with its trunk circumference expanding from 7.85 meters in 1990 to 8.04 meters by 2018. This gradual increase shows steady growth despite its advanced age.
The tree carries the name of the nearby Ottersdorf farmsteads and serves as an important landmark for locals in the surrounding landscape. It functions as a natural symbol that has connected generations of people in this region.
The tree stands at the forest edge near Ottersdorf farm, roughly half a kilometer west of Hexenagger, and can be easily located using coordinates. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and visit during early morning or late afternoon to get the best light for exploring this massive tree.
What sets this tree apart is a lightning scar that runs from the crown down to the ground, documenting a past strike event. Despite this dramatic injury, the tree continues to display full vitality and thrives without noticeable limitations.
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