The Love Tree

On Cordova Street you will discover that St. Augustine’s Love Tree is really two trees—there’s a sable palm growing out of the heart of an oak tree. If you separate them, both will die.

According to the folklore, a man and a woman loved each other dearly. To express their devotion, they planted two trees at the same time. According to an old wives tale, planting a tree in honor of any loved one weather it be a child, relative or spouse, bestowed longevity and good luck upon them. The woman planted a Palm Tree, which was sturdy and able to withstand the most violent storms. The man planted an Oak Tree representing flexibility and protection.

One month later the man passed away. Tormented without him, the woman died within thirty days. Their love endured the passage of death. The two souls searched for one another in the afterlife, refusing to allow fate to rip them apart. A year later on the eve of the couple’s separation, their souls crossed paths and they became reunited. As a manifestation of their joining together for eternity, the oak tree wrapped around the slender palm tree, protecting her while she stood steadfast.

Some claimed to have encountered the spirits of the couple at the Love Tree. The endless love of the two spirits understood true love and channeled their protection and guidance on couples seeking the same spiritual connection. Any lovers who exchanged a true love’s kiss under the Love Tree was likewise be united throughout all eternity.
Read less