Is this old water oak tree on a trail we frequent a signal or marker tree, made by Native Americans and used as a navigational aid in the forests? By bending a young sapling at a right angle to the ground, they altered a tree to serve as a signpost to others, indicating a trail direction or marking a point of interest, such as a natural spring or a safe river crossing.
As the tree matured, it grew back upward toward the light, pointing the way to the desired direction to whomever passed.
We aren’t sure if this tree is a signal tree or not. There are only a few hundred documented examples in the United States and no studies done in our state.
A survivor of hurricanes and loggers, fires and diseases, it is several hundred years old, plenty old enough to have done the job.
I call it the Elephant Tree because of its bark. What do you think? Do you see the elephant leg there?
It’s one of those trees I can’t resist. Don’t tell anyone, but when we pass by, I always stop and give it a hug!
You're right Cinthia looks like an elephant's foot. It is very curious what you tell us about the reason for that fallen tree that does not resist dying, since its roots continue to give it life.
ReplyDeleteMy greetings from Argentina
Sure looks like an elephants foot.
ReplyDeleteSome trees are quite remarkable if you look closely at them and how they have grown all different ways.
What native Indian tribes lived in this area of the USA?
Colin
Catawba, Pee Dee, Chicora, Edisto, Santee, Yamassee, Waccamaw, Cherokee. Maybe some others.
DeleteI have read of two of those tribes - the Santee and the Cherokee.
DeleteBoth mentioned in the Movie - "The Patriot". An excellent movie.
Colin
That is an interesting story. I'm glad you hug the tree. I do that sometimes. I also hug teddy bears in the shopping centre much to Bill's embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who stops to give a tree a hug is a hero in my book. We need more tree huggers, many more, both figurative and literal. But most of all we need more trees. It's time to start planting more and finally protecting what little remains of old growth forests. Don't hold your breath though. Destruction is more our style.
ReplyDeleteThere's a children's book The Sign of the Beaver where the young brave bent young trees for markers. I'd forgotten that until reading your post even though Dan mentioned within the last year that he had read something about that. If the tree is as old as you said it just may be a signal tree. Neat!
ReplyDeleteVery unusual tree! It looks like it needs some hugs!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting and how neat to think the tree might be a signal tree. I do see the Elephant leg and actually thought how it reminded me of Elephant skin before I read what you had written. You're so special!
ReplyDeleteThis was fun, but I kind of see a dinosaur tree. How interesting to create a signal tree. That took a lot of planning.
ReplyDeleteDear Cynthia, I've never before heard of "signal trees." Always, as you explore our state and post about your adventures, you teach me new things! Thank you. Peace from Dee Ready
ReplyDeleteIf that is a signal tree, what a rare find! I'm intrigued by trees that have some kind of significance (like the Angel Oak in the Charleston, SC area that I've visited twice). Just think if it was a signal tree, it may well have enjoyed your hugs.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a signal tree but it makes perfect sense. A marker that could be there for decades if not 100 years or more. Thanks for the education!
ReplyDelete