Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, October 20, 2026 —

An ancient bald cypress in Smith Creek, near Wilmington, has been dated to at least 871 years old, making it the oldest documented tree in the area. Researchers are concerned that saltwater intrusion could threaten the tree and the surrounding old-growth stand.

The reported threats include saltwater intrusion associated with factors such as sea-level rise and river dredging. The summary of the research does not provide details about how the tree was dated, when the dating took place, or which researchers conducted the work. It also does not specify the level of saltwater exposure or describe any observed damage to the tree.

Researchers warn that the threat could extend beyond the individual cypress. The old-growth stand may also be affected, with the potential for the area to become a “ghost forest.” The summary does not define the term in this case or give a timeline for whether such a change might occur.

The tree’s reported age establishes it as the oldest documented tree in the area, but the geographic boundaries used for that comparison were not provided. No specific location within Smith Creek, measurements of the stand, or further information about its condition was included in the summary.

The available information identifies saltwater intrusion, sea-level rise and river dredging as concerns, while leaving the extent and timing of any effects unclear. It does not report whether protective measures are underway or what may happen next. The central concern is that a tree documented as at least 871 years old, along with the old-growth stand around it, could be affected by changing saltwater conditions.


Story summarized from the original created by Matthew Burkhart on coastalreview.org, see more information here.

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