Pando

forest, Utah, United States

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July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Pando is a clonal forest of quaking aspen trees located in Fishlake National Forest in Utah, United States. It is considered a single organism because all of its approximately 47,000 trees are genetically identical and connected by a vast root system. Pando is estimated to be around 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known organisms on Earth, and its total biomass weighs an estimated 6,600 tons. Despite its age and size, Pando is currently facing threats to its survival, including overgrazing by mule deer and cattle, which prevents new saplings from growing.1

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The Clone Giants
The Clone Giants transcript
…looks like a forest named Pando, and an enormous tree-killing mushroom that apparently still needs a cute name. These individuals are both way bigger than you’re probably thinking, and are likely going to challenge how you think of the word “organism” or “individual.” But before we get to their stories,…
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…looks like a forest named Pando, and an enormous tree-killing mushroom that apparently still needs a cute name. These individuals are both way bigger than you’re probably thinking, and are likely going to challenge how you think of the word “organism” or “individual.” But before we get to their stories,…
Read More

poplar
Common species
…genetically identical trees, known as Pando, in Utah. The American big-tooth aspen (P. grandidentata) grows up to 18 metres (59 feet) and has larger, somewhat rounded, coarse-toothed leaves.
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…genetically identical trees, known as Pando, in Utah. The American big-tooth aspen (P. grandidentata) grows up to 18 metres (59 feet) and has larger, somewhat rounded, coarse-toothed leaves.
Read More