Tree Information
Common Name: painted buckeye
Scientific Name: Aesculus sylvatica
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 1292
Status: alive
National Champion: yes
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 49 in.
Height: 62 ft.
Crown: 48 ft.
Points: 123
Date Last Measured: 2021
Last Measured by: Brendan Fitzgerald
Date First Measured: 2008
Comments: This species was previously unknown from Sussex County, VA. It was dethroned in 2016 as national champ because its forked trunk was measured near ground line. When remeasured in 2017, the circumference of the largest stem was measured at 4.5' above ground line. This measurement adjustment regained its recognition as the national champion in 2019.
The tree has all indications that it formed from a single seed. The two trunks are very similar in height, girth, and spread. Most likely, the terminal leader of the seedling was damaged at an early age and reformed co-dominant leaders that persisted. It is difficult to surmise whether the two stems share a common pith above ground line.
Measurements by Fitzgerald in 2021 were 62' tall, 48' spread, and 88"" girth of the fused stems at 7"" above ground line. The stems measured individually at 4.5' above ground were 49"" and 46"".
Measurements by Carmean and Williamson in 2017 were 62' tall, 48' spread, and 82"" girth of the fused stems at their smallest girth above ground line.
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Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Sussex
Land Owner: Commonwealth of Virginia
GPS Coordinates: 36.94186, -77.19839
Directions: Approximately 1.5 miles SE of Homeville, VA on south edge of state-owned wetland mitigation site on slope above tupelo slough. Nearest address is 13201 Mill Ln, Waverly, VA 23890.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Byron Carmean
Contact Email: rockplantrn@gmail.com
Contact Address: 3616 Labrador Ln
Suffolk, VA 23434
Contact Phone: 757-934-0588
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Byron Carmean, Robin Beldenbaugh, Bobby Clontz, Gary Williamson
Additional Information
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