mallorn

Mallorn (plural mallorns) is a fictional tree species in J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium, best known for its association with the realm of Lothlórien in Middle-earth. Mallorns are large, stately trees with smooth, pale gray bark and broad, spreading crowns. Their wood is described as strong and aesthetically valued, contributing to the beauty of elven architecture and landscape.

The foliage of mallorns is distinctive. Leaves are evergreen, long and narrow, dark green on the upper surface with a silvery sheen on the underside. The leaves give the forest a constant, glimmering light in the sun and a soft, luminous quality overall. In autumn, mallorn leaves turn a warm gold before gradually falling, though they do not shed all at once, allowing the canopy to stay visually continuous for a time.

Ecology and distribution within the lore place mallorns primarily in the Golden Wood of Lothlórien, where they are cultivated by the Galadhrim. Though their origins are linked to the broader elven landscapes of Tolkien’s world, the mallorn is most closely associated with Lórien as a defining symbol of the realm’s beauty, serenity, and timeless atmosphere. In the narratives, the trees contribute to the sense of light and memory that characterize the region, reinforcing Lothlórien’s status as a refuge in Middle-earth.