According to the results of the European Tree of the Year 2020, Lone Poplar from Kalmykia is listed among the top three, winning third place.Editor’s note:Lonely poplar from the steppes of Kalmykia
According to legend, this poplar was planted by a Buddhist monk at the beginning of the XX century. He brought seeds from Tibet, where he made a pilgrimage. The monk buried the seeds on the highest point of a hill in the boundless steppe. Poplar turned into a gigantic tree with sprawling branches casting a thick shadow. Everyone who took long ride on horses stopped there to rest and turned to the poplar with requests. Desires were fulfilled. "Lonely poplar" is revered in Kalmykia as a shrine.
