Pershing (tree) facts for kids
Pershing, also known as General Pershing, is a super tall giant sequoia tree. You can find it in the Giant Forest Grove inside Sequoia National Park in California.
This amazing tree was named in 1926 to honor General John J. Pershing. He was a very important leader who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The park superintendent, Colonel John R. White, dedicated the tree to him.
Pershing is one of the biggest trees in the world! It's currently the 19th largest giant sequoia. It might even be the 18th largest, depending on how much another tree, the Ishi Giant, changed after a big fire in 2015.
What Does Pershing Look Like?
The Pershing tree is located about 350 feet (107 meters) east-northeast of another famous tree called Column.
Pershing has some unique marks on its bark. It has a large burn mark shaped like a triangle on its north side. There's also a smaller burn mark on its west side. These marks are often left by past forest fires, which are a natural part of the sequoia forest.
How Big is the Pershing Tree?
Giant sequoias are known for their massive size. Here are some measurements of the Pershing tree:
- Height: The tree stands about 246 feet (75 meters) tall from its base to its top. That's like a 20-story building!
- Around the bottom: At the ground, the tree's base measures about 91.2 feet (27.8 meters) around. Imagine how many people it would take to hold hands around it!
- Wood volume: The main trunk of the tree, called the bole, contains an estimated 35,855 cubic feet (1,015 cubic meters) of wood. That's a lot of tree!
