The Survivor Tree stands against the sky, green against blue, on the right, with One World Trade gleaming on the left.
Photo by Jin S. Lee

The Survivor Tree

A Callery pear tree became known as the “Survivor Tree” after enduring the September 11, 2001 terror attacks at the World Trade Center. In October 2001, a severely damaged tree was discovered at Ground Zero, with snapped roots and burned and broken branches. The tree was removed from the rubble and placed in the care of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

After its recovery and rehabilitation, the tree was returned to the Memorial in 2010. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stumps, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and present.

The Survivor Tree, One World Trade, and other buildings are visible, along with the sun and the blue sky
The Survivor Tree stands today on the 9/11 Memorial.
Photo by David E. Starke

A Story of Resilience & Hope

The Survivor Tree is a living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth. From 2013 to 2023, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum distributed Callery pear seedlings as part of a Seedling Program to communities impacted by grand scale-tragedy. Today visitors come to witness the beauty of the Survivor Tree in all four seasons and to leave behind a special message of hope.  

  • tags hang on a bar around the Survivor Tree Photograph by Jin Lee

    Visitors to the 9/11 Memorial may take a free weather-resistant tag and write a message to take as a memento or leave behind. The messages are kept as long as possible around the tree before being removed and preserved by Museum staff. 

  • the Survivor Tree green in summer Photo by Jin S. Lee

    Green in summer, the Survivor Tree changes colors throughout the seasons. Visitors come all year to bear witness to the tree's ever-changing beauty and strength.

  • The Survivor Tree blooming in the spring Photo by David E. Stark

    The Survivor Tree is a Callery pear tree. It blooms in the early spring and features thousands of beautiful small white flowers.

  • The Survivor Tree in autumn features red and brown vibrant fall colors Photo by Jin S. Lee

    In autumn, the Survivor Tree features red, brown, and green fall colors. Visitors in all seasons may enjoy the spectacular vibrance of this beautiful part of the Memorial.

  • the Survivor Tree blanketed in snow during a blizzard in February 2026 Photo by Vincent Lupi

    The Survivor Tree was blanketed in snow during the February 22, 2026 blizzard. Thank you to those courageous stewards of the Memorial for keeping the area safe and clear during and following this inclement weather event.

  • the Survivor Tree is decorated with ribbons for those lost in the Orlando Shooting Photo by Jin S. Lee

    The Survivor Tree was decorated with ribbons in tribute of those killed in the 2016 Orlando Pulse shooting.

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