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Symbols can be an important part of society for some of us. They represent something significant and, in many cases, play an important role. One major institution that is renowned on the educational spectrum is Stanford University. Like all major universities, it has a representative symbol. Their symbol happens to be a tree.
Not just any tree, a redwood, which is unique, with its own name- El Palo Alto. The said tree is also emblematic of the City of Palo Alto.
What makes the 120-foot tree rather unique is not just its age, which is close to 1,100 years old, but its location.
Such trees generally grow in areas where there is significant amounts of rain, ranging from 5 to 10 feet per year. In the case of El Palo Alto, it has survived on roughly 2 feet per year.
Once over 160 feet tall, part of it died and fell off decades ago. Most believe the culprit that contributed to this was coal fumes mixed with diesel, being spewed from nearby trains, which have been a longtime transportation staple on the Peninsula.
Said factors, among others, have resulted in El Pal Alto being significantly shorter than typical redwood trees, which attain heights approaching 400 feet.
Originally known as “Palso Colorados,” which means red trees, the name was changed to “El Palo Alto” in the 19th century after a large branch broke off. The actual meaning of “El Palo Alto” is a tall stick.
Along with the historic tree being the symbol of the City of Palo Alto and Leland Stanford Jr. University, the unusual mascot version of El Palo Alto can be seen at Stanford athletic events.
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