Poland is aiming for its fourth consecutive win in the 2025 European Tree of the Year competition, with a 300-year-old beech tree representing the country.
The unique contest, which started in 2011, brings together 15 trees from across Europe, each competing for the prestigious title.
The Polish tree known as the Heart of the Dalkowskie Hills is a striking purple-leaved beech located in southwestern Poland.
Standing at around 30 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 4.5 meters, its name reflects its central position in the Dalkowskie Hills, the heart-shaped red leaves it produces in spring and its significance as a gathering place for the local community.
According to legend, the tree grants wishes to those who drop beech husks into its hollow.
Voting is open until February 24 on treeoftheyear.org, with results announced on March 19 at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The Polish tree known as the Heart of the Dalkowskie Hills is a striking purple-leaved beech located in southwestern Poland.
Standing at around 30 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 4.5 meters, its name reflects its central position in the Dalkowskie Hills, the heart-shaped red leaves it produces in spring and its significance as a gathering place for the local community.
According to legend, the tree grants wishes to those who drop beech husks into its hollow.
This year’s competition also features 14 other finalists, including a 700-year-old oak from the Czech Republic, a chestnut tree from Belgium and a fig tree from Portugal.🍁 HEART OF THE DALKOWSKIE HILLS -- POLAND 🇵🇱
— Tree of the Year (@TreeoftheYear) February 5, 2025
This beech tree is called "Heart" because of its red-colroed leaves and because it is a popular central location for gatherings. Tourists even make wishes on this tree.
📸 Marcin Kopij
Vote 👉 https://t.co/kUvNN6L0pV pic.twitter.com/H2zeDfc0aw
Voting is open until February 24 on treeoftheyear.org, with results announced on March 19 at the European Parliament in Brussels.
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