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Growth ring
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
A cross section of a Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) tree trunk shows annual growth rings, with labeled points marking key life events such as seedling growth, insect damage, fire, and mature stages. Small illustrations around the trunk depict these events, including a young seedling, growing tree, insect infestation, fire damage, and the tree's mature and dead forms. Annual rings in the trunk of a tree at its base
How high can a tree grow?
transverse section of eastern white pine Illustration of a tree trunk cross-section with labeled features including outer and inner bark, sapwood, heartwood, pith, and growth rings, plus radial, tangential, and transverse surfaces.

Growth ring: References & Edit History

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  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Article title updated for style. Nov 14, 2026
Add new Web site: PennState Extension - What Exactly Are Growth Rings? May 25, 2023
Add new Web site: Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth - Global Change Project - Tree Ring. Jun 15, 2017
Add new Web site: The University of Arizona - Laboratory of Tree Ring Research - About Tree Rings. Jun 15, 2017
Added video. May 08, 2015
Diagram of annual growth rings added. Nov 05, 2012
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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