9. American Elm (East 97th Street Entrance)
This tree feels like an old witch, and being in its presence is a little unnerving. Every time we turned around, we thought it had moved one of the serpentine branches a little closer to us. Dating to the 1800s, this elm has survived Dutch elm disease, tree-felling superstorms, and much more. Its 80-foot canopy offers shade to weary walkers, as well as shelter to countless birds, mammals and insects. As the northernmost Great Tree of the Park, it stands tall in its 94.3-foot glory—a symbol of the strength and generosity of a true New Yorker.