Witch spruce, Ancient spruce tree in Vilkyškiai forest, Lithuania
The Witch spruce is an unusual natural formation where roughly 18 trunks branch out from a single base near the ground and reach a total height of around 34 meters. This growth pattern creates a distinctive structure that stands out distinctly within the surrounding forest environment.
This specimen developed roughly 170 years ago and gained national recognition in 2018 when it was named Tree of the Year in a public selection process. The award brought wider attention to this natural wonder in Lithuanian forestry history.
Local stories connect this tree to a witch who abandoned her magical powers after falling for a man from the village nearby. These tales have woven the spruce into the region's folklore and how people relate to the forest.
The tree is located within Rambynas regional park and remains accessible for visitors who want to explore the forest interior. Sturdy footwear is helpful for walking through the woodland terrain, and allowing extra time to appreciate the surroundings is worthwhile.
The remarkable feature is how the many trunks emerge together like a bundle, a growth pattern that rarely occurs in spruce trees naturally. This unusual formation has turned the tree into a botanical curiosity that appeals to both scientists and nature lovers exploring the forest.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
