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SC Picture Project

The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Clemson Tree

SC PICTURE PROJECT 2 Comments

SC Picture Project / Pickens County / Clemson Tree

Generations of Clemson University students, alums, and their families have enjoyed the beauty and shade of the massive Centennial Oak, a bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) that has been “growing strong” since at least 1889. Located between the Biosystems Research Complex and Newman Hall, the tree serves as a beloved campus landmark and gathering place. It is also one of many favorite tailgating spots for Tiger fans.

Clemson Centennial Oak

William H. Myers, III of Seneca, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

At 66-feet tall, with branches that reach 124 feet, this record-setting bur oak was just a seedling when Clemson was founded 120 years ago. Based on age studies conducted by foresters, the tree was designated the Centennial Oak when the university celebrated its 100th birthday in 1989. Bur oaks normally live 150-300 years.

Trip Taylor of Columbia, 2006 ©Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The Centennial Oak is also one of South Carolina’s “Champion Trees,” a designation that means it’s the largest of its species in the state. Champion trees are determined by precise measurements of a tree’s trunk circumference, height, and average crown spread.

South Carolina also has 14 National Champion Trees including the largest loblolly pine and the largest swamp tupelo in the country, both located in Congaree National Park in Richland County. The National Champion rosebay rhododendron is in Sumter National Forest in Oconee County, and the country’s largest winged elm is at the Savannah River Site near Aiken.

Learn more about other renowned South Carolina Trees.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. susan says

    May 5, 2017 at 7:36 PM

    I was told about this tree by a little old lady who has held onto a picture of it. This is on her bucket list of things to see. She just may get her wish this year if I can help her.

    Reply
    • SCIWAY says

      May 5, 2017 at 9:06 PM

      That would be wonderful if you were able to help! We are sure she would sure appreciate the thought!

      Reply

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ABOUT US

We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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ABOUT US

We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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