Actual Tree That Inspired The Lorax Falls

From his home in La Jolla, Calif., Theodor Geisel—better known to the world as Dr. Seuss—could see a distinctive Monterey Cypress tree in a seaside park, according to the city's website. That exact tree is said to have inspired the book The Lorax, about a quest to save the fictional "Truffula" trees. And now, the "Lorax Tree" is no more, reports CNN. Estimated to be up to 100 years old, the tree in Ellen Browning Scripps Park fell last week for no apparent reason beyond age.

City officials hope to salvage parts of the trunk, presumably for some kind of Dr. Seuss tribute. Prior to its fall, the tree had attained local celebrity status. "Ask any local La Jollan where the 'Lorax Tree' is, and they’ll surely point you there," advised the city website. An animated movie based on the book came out in 2012. (Geisel's widow, Audrey, died last year, and she said the world-famous children's author wasn't a big fan of kids in his own life.)