“Estimated to be around 300 years old, this towering tree has witnessed centuries of change in the city”

A long one of Owensboro’s main streets stands a truly remarkable natural wonder: the largest known sassafras tree in the world.

Estimated to be around 300 years old, this towering tree has witnessed centuries of change in the city, quietly holding its place as a living link to the past. Measuring over 100 feet tall and 21 feet in circumference, it dwarfs typical sassafras trees, which usually range from 30 to 50 feet in height.

Even among the tallest of its kind, which occasionally reach 60 feet, this Owensboro giant is in a league of its own. Its sprawling branches and massive trunk make it a breathtaking sight for locals and visitors alike, offering a rare glimpse at the potential longevity and majesty of sassafras trees.

In a world where old-growth trees are increasingly rare, Owensboro’s sassafras is a local treasure.

Address: 2100-2166, KY-2831, Owensboro, KY 42301