The Peter the great oak, which grows in Astrakhan on the street the General Gerasimenko, is one of the most famous trees planted by the Emperor himself. It is noteworthy that the oak tree still bears fruit, despite its age and the damage caused by a lightning strike. The height of the tree reaches twelve meters and a trunk circumference – five.

Since 1722, by decree of Peter the First, in the Astrakhan region began mass planting of oak trees. The oak wood is widely used in shipbuilding, Petro banned the building of the court clumsy work. The fact is that after processing the axe from large logs was just two boards, and using the cut could get four or five quality boards.

The Palace where the Emperor stayed during his visit to Astrakhan, was built in the beautiful garden city – Simonovska. According to the legend, Peter the great in his spare time he joined the gardeners and helped them to plant trees. When one of the notable residents of Astrakhan saw Peter doing that – very surprised at what the Emperor told him, "Silly man, you think you won't live to see me until hardened oaks? Yeah I don't work for themselves, but for future use state! ". Peter planted several oaks in Demanovska garden, take care of which was entrusted to Andrei Fedorov.

Today, the oak of Peter the great on the street General Gerasimenko recognized by wildlife monument of national significance, in honor of what was a memorial plaque and the tree itself are under state protection.