The Opatovice Pine
Species: black pine (Pinus nigra ssp. austriaca)
Age: 257 years years
Region: Velké Opatovice, South Moravian region, Czech republic
Thanks to its unique way of branching, this pine is the landmark of the castle park in Velké Opatovice. Reminiscent of a seven-headed dragon, it has attracted many generations of children to climb its branches. According to folk tales, the tree is a cursed dragon that fought St. George, patron of the local church. The pine used to be called “Juliette” because Countess Julie Herberstein, the last owner of the Opatovice estates often sat on a white bench underneath it. The pine has been selected as a mother tree for seed collection and reproduction.
Tree of the year 2015
12327 votes
5th place
Nominated by:
National contest organizer: Czech Environmental Partnership Foundation