Henryków Book

The Henryków Yew, known as "Henryk", is the oldest tree in Poland, growing in Henryków Lubański in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Estimated to be around 1,250 years old, its age makes it not only a natural monument but also a witness to many historical events. The tree stands by the wall of a barn on farmstead No. 293 and has suffered numerous damages over the years – it was struck by soldiers in 1813, hit by an artillery shell in 1945, and severely damaged by a hurricane in 1989, which reduced its circumference significantly from 5 meters to just 1.5 meters. A key moment in the tree's conservation was its treatment in the 1990s, followed by further work in 2016 aimed at improving its health. Scaffolding and an irrigation system were installed to protect its roots from rodents and provide water during heatwaves. In 2020, the yew sprouted new shoots and needles, indicating a recovery in its health. The Henryków Yew was declared a natural monument by the Jelenia Góra Voivode on April 6, 1992. As of 2013, the tree had a circumference of 425 cm and a height of 10.5 meters. Interestingly, its history is symbolic of the region, reflecting the changes over the centuries and the relationship between people and nature. The survival of this tree for such a long time makes it not only part of the local heritage but also an important reference point for botanical and historical research in Poland.