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Kanepu Oak (Kaņepu ozols)

Kanepu Oak tree - one of the largest trees in Latvia.
Kanepu Oak tree – one of the largest trees in Latvia. 2008. / Gatis Pāvils, CC BY-SA 4.0

WorldBlue  In short

The second largest Latvian oak tree by circumference, most likely, is Kanepu Oak. The circumference of its trunk is 9.82 m.

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GPS coordinates
57.7016 N 25.6614 E
Location, address
Europe, Latvia, Vidzeme, Valmiera municipality, Jērcēni parish, north of Jērcēni village, at Kanepu (Kaņepi) farmstead
Name in Latvian
Kaņepu ozols (also ‘Kaņepju ozols’ – wrong form)
Species
English oak (Quercus robur L.)
Circumference
9.82 m (at the height of 1.3 m, July 2019)
Height
˜ 16 – 17 m

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WorldYellow In detail

The mighty trunk of Kanepu Oak tree - the circumference is 9.82 m.
The mighty trunk of Kanepu Oak tree – the circumference is 9.82 m. 2008. / Gatis Pāvils, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kanepu Oak is a well-known noble tree next to a farmstead, near Jērcēni village. This tree was selected as the most magnificent oak tree of Latvia in the competition of the then-popular magazine “Atpūta” in 1933. Protected natural monument since 1977.

Kanepu Oak is the second largest oak tree in Latvia by circumference after Kaive Oak.

The tree, most likely, was hit by lightning long ago and a large hollow, where, reportedly 8 people can enter, has developed. This hollow has openings on three sides. The northern part of the trunk is dead now, while the southern part continues to grow.

The approximate height of the tree is 16-17 m.

Next to Kanepu Oak in the ground was found a set of smaller stones and ashes. There is a possibility that the tree served as a paganic shrine in the past. Nevertheless, there are no known stories about this possible shrine.

References
  1. Diži koki. Kaņepu ozols, Dziedava.lv. Accessed on December 20, 2022.
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Oak: The Frame of Civilization


Professional arborist and award-winning nature writer William Bryant Logan deftly relates the delightful history of the reciprocal relationship between humans and oak trees since time immemorial―a profound link that has almost been forgotten. From the ink of Bach’s cantatas to the first boat to reach the New World to the wagon, the barrel, and the sword, oak trees have been a constant presence throughout our history.


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