Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota

Tejo, tacho (Taxus baccata).

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Balced canyon and the peaks of Guara mountains, stands a striking yet relatively unknown tree. The base of the trunk measures 3.5 metres in circumference and the first of its 5 main branches starts at a height of 1.25 metres from the ground. Its stocky aspect is the tree’s way of avoiding direct sunlight. The conifer is in good condition although some branches have been removed and there is an old axe mark on its trunk. There once stood another conifer nearby, which was felled halfway through the 20th century. Its wood was used in a butcher’s shop in a local village.

Location: From Alquézar take the path towards the village of San Pelegrin and continue along the footpath to the Mesón of Sevil. Follow the track in a northerly direction for approximately 1,000 metres before taking a path to the left towards the Tozal d’Acreu. Once there, go down the slope until reaching the north-facing side of a large limestone rock, which shelters and provides shade to this solitary tree.

This tree is surrounded by small stands of holm oaks, cultivated fields and sprawling vineyards. The perimeter of the base of its trunk measures 5.25 metres and its three huge branches start at a height of 1.8 metres from the floor. The dome-shaped form of the tree is almost perfect and standing under the huge braches is both impressive and welcoming. The tree is in excellent condition.

Location: 2km from Adahuesca on the A-1229 road towards Huesca, take a path to the left, which is just a few metres beyond a curve in the road. Keep following signs for “Leyendas al Paso” and approximately 2.7km after leaving the main road, you will find the tree, just after passing in front of livestock corral. It is also possible to reach the tree from Adahuesca via the Romanesque chapel of Trevino.

Carrasca, Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota. 
This holm oak reaches a height of 9 metres. At the base of the trunk its diameter is 1.37 metres and the circumference 4.4 metres. It divides into 5 main branches. Until around 20 years ago, people hunting thrushes with catapults would use it as den. They were responsible for placing a large stone at the base of the split in the tree trunk to force the main branches to point to the floor and so achieve a better hiding place. The tree is in excellent condition and grows on private land.

Location: This tree is reached by taking the A-2205 road, which runs from Adahuesca to Colungo. 3 kms before arriving in Colungo, there is a small unsigned path to the left. Follow this path and after crossing a small almond grove and walking for a further 250 metres, the tree stands in a spot know as Barranco Fornocal.