The Krapina-Zagorje County Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas, says on its website that 15 countries are competing this year and that Croatia first took part in 2018.
"This ancient linden is a living witness of the Great Peasant Revolt that took place in 1573. According to the legend Matija Gubec gathered his followers beneath its canopy and led them into a fight for their class rights. Due to its age and historical significance the linden was declared a protected natural monument. The fact that the Croatian Forest Research Institute Jastrebarsko has grown the seedlings of Gubec linden using vegetative propagation method proves how valuable it is to our people," the public institution says on its website.
"The European Tree of the Year doesn't focus on beauty, size or age but rather on the tree's story and its connection to people. We are looking for trees that have become a part of the wider community," the European Tree of the Year project says on its website.
Gubec's linden was nominated by the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas.
Voting for the European Tree of the Year lasts from 1 to 28 February at https://www.treeoftheyear.org.