California is home to many records: the oldest tree, the tallest, and the largest (by volume) are just a few examples. It’s also one of the best spots for stargazing, as well as the home to the highest temperature ever recorded, plus some of the best downtowns and most walkable streets.
But a new record has entered the chat (at least for lovers of botany and science): the oldest bush on Earth.
King Clone is a creosote bush living in the Mojave Desert, and experts believe it is at least 11,700 years old. Its origin is estimated to be around the end of the last Ice Age, or, to put it in even clearer context, when ancient humans were just starting to build permanent settlements after developing agriculture. You could say this bush has been around for a little while now.
Creosote bushes are incredibly sturdy plants known for their longevity and resilience. They can survive harsh conditions, including going up to two years without water. Their deep and extensive root systems allow them to tap into underground moisture, helping them endure prolonged droughts. Creosotes are common across arid regions of the U.S., thriving where few others can.
King Clone, in particular, is not a single bush but a creosote ring measuring up to 67 feet tall with an average diameter of 45 feet. It was discovered about 50 years ago by Professor Frank Vasek from the University of California, as SF Gate reports. When he identified the plant, he used two methods: radiocarbon dating and ring counting, both gave consistent results. Based on that data, the plant is currently estimated to be around 11,700 years old.
His findings were published in a scientific paper in the early 1980s, which led to Assembly Bill 1024 in 1985. This bill authorized the Department to acquire land to protect the ancient creosote rings in the Mojave Desert and allocated funds specifically for this purpose, as The California Department of Fish and Wildlife states.
To visit King Clone, you need to drive 2 to 2.5-hours (roughly 115 miles) over the I-10 East, then CA-247 North toward Lucerne Valley. Turn right onto Bessemer Mine Road and follow it to the King Clone Ecological Reserve. The last part is a dirt road, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended. Bring water and sun protection since the area is remote with no facilities.