The Old Lions of Kew
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- Species
- Multiple species including Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum)
- Age estimate
- 250+ years
- Location
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE (Kew, South West London)
- Access
- Paid entry to Kew Gardens
- Getting there
- Kew Gardens tube station (District Line), 5 min walk
Five of the oldest trees in Kew Gardens, nicknamed the Old Lions by the garden's first curator John Smith. Among them is a Japanese pagoda tree planted in 1762, making it one of the oldest in Europe outside its native range. Kew's collection includes trees that have been growing here since the garden opened under Princess Augusta in the 1750s. Entry to Kew required but worth it.
Opens directions in your maps app. Kew Gardens tube station (District Line), 5 min walk
Trees nearby
- Barney the Plane, 300+ years (Barnes, South West London)
- The Royal Oak, 750 years (Richmond Park)
- The Fulham Palace Oak, 500+ years (Fulham)
Curious what else is standing in London? See all 10 remarkable ancient trees in London or find out what the oldest tree in London is.
Something wrong on this page, or do you have an openly licensed photo of this tree? Tell us. Corrections are checked and credited.