Tree Information
Common Name: shellbark hickory
Scientific Name: Carya laciniosa
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 124
Status: alive
National Champion: yes
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 195 in.
Height: 105 ft.
Crown: 104 ft.
Points: 326
Date Last Measured: 2025
Last Measured by: Helena Azar and Bella Hardaway
Date First Measured: 1970
Comments:
2025 comments: The tree was in excellent condition. The space under the canopy is clear and well maintained by the owner to prevent volunteer species from hindering its continued growth. Previously measured in 2015 by Greg Zell, with the measurements of 190", 109', & 112' for a total of 327 points.
2024 comments: Recognized again as national champion.
Declared national champion in 2018. One of the longest-tenured trees in the Virginia Big Tree Register. First nominated in 1970 by chief forest warden Albert B. Settle and measured with assistance of foresters F.D. Kidwell and L.E. Cabell. Original measurements were 164" trunk girth, 101' height, 113' crown spread, 293 points. An historical aerial photo from 1958 shows the tree well-established in a pasture adjacent to the farmhouse with no other large trees nearby. The species is not documented as naturally occurring in Virginia by either the USDA Plants Database (except Arlington County) or the Flora of Virginia. However, the species has been planted throughout Virginia from seeds collected in nearby states to the west.
Remeasured by Albert B. Settle and forester Phil Grimm in 1986 at 174" trunk girth, 105' height, 123' crown spread, 310 points. Remeasured by forester Larry Dunn in 1994 at 175" trunk girth, 108' height, 124' crown spread, 314 points. Remeasured by forester Jonathan Pine in 2006 at 185" trunk girth, 112' height, 104' crown spread, 323 points.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Culpeper
Land Owner: Edward Parrish
GPS Coordinates: 38.59094, -77.95599
Owner Email: Private
Directions: From Culpeper, take 229 North, past Hazel River. Take the first right on Little Fork Church Rd. The tree is directly behind the house and is impossible to miss.
Owner Address: 16104 Little Fork Church Rd.
Rixeyville, VA 22737
Owner Phone: 540-905-3465
Contact Information
Contact Name: Edward Parrish
Contact Email: Private
Contact Address: 16104 Little Fork Church Rd.
Rixeyville, VA 22737
Contact Phone: 540-905-3465
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Albert B. Settle
Additional Information
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