6Bristlecone Pine, California, USA
The bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, with some trees estimated to be over 5,000 years old. Found in the White Mountains of California, these ancient trees have twisted and gnarled trunks that bear the scars of millennia of harsh conditions. The bristlecone pine’s ability to survive in extreme environments, with cold temperatures and minimal rainfall, has made it a symbol of endurance. Its weathered appearance and extraordinary age make it one of the most unusual and revered trees in the world.