Courtesy City of Charleston

history continued

The growth habits of a mature Live Oak tree speak simultaneously of massive strength and sweeping delicacy. Live Oak trees are genetically coded to withstand heavy rains and winds of coastal hurricanes. The trees’ canopies are more horizontally-oriented than vertically. This spreading nature allows for less dense canopies and, consequently, less “sail” to be buffeted by high winds. Additionally, Live Oaks have a wide root plate that protects them from overturning during storms. It is because of these traits that the Angel Oak has survived sixteen recorded storms since 1685. The largest limb is 89 feet long and has a circumference of 11¼ feet. The tree’s canopy shades an area of 17,000 square feet. It is healthy, vibrant, and available to the public at no charge. The tree welcomes visitors from across the globe, is the setting for weddings and dedications, and is the backdrop for an annual performance by the Charleston Ballet Company during the world famous Spoleto Arts Festival

This magnificent tree, complete with flowing Spanish moss, is more than a beautiful horticultural feature: it is an icon of the culture and heritage of the coastal South, The Angel Oak deserves respect for its antiquity, its awe- inspiring natural beauty, and as a symbol of the intersection of man’s history and nature’s complexity.