Tree Information
Common Name: white oak
Scientific Name: Quercus alba
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 2435
Status: not top 3
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Circumference: 235 in.
Height: 80 ft.
Crown: 116 ft.
Points: 344
Date Last Measured: 2024
Last Measured by: John Peterson and Tom McAvoy
Date First Measured: 2016
Comments:
This tree is known as the Keffer Oak, one of the largest white oaks on the Appalachian Trail. The tree was brought to the attention of the Virginia Big Tree Program by James Close who thought the tree might be a contender for largest tree on the Appalachian Trail. Research revealed that there is a larger white oak in New York.
2024 comments: The tree has waning vitality in its advanced age, but there are no indicators of disease or disorders. It has the typical branch and twig dieback that is observed in veteran oaks, but no cause for concern for its wellbeing at this time. An apparent error was made in measuring the tree height and crown spread in 2016. It is unlikely the tree has grown much since that time given its advanced age and low vitality.
2016 comments: Measured by Alex Cassell, Alex Walbrun at 235" trunk, 59' height, 104' crown, 320 points.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Craig
Land Owner: U.S. Forest Service
GPS Coordinates: 37.34988, -80.37439
Directions: Tree is directly on the Appalachian Trail. If going from nearby parking lot, the coordinates there are 37.35143, -80.37910. Follow the trail SE for 0.29mi. Tree will be on the right with a sign identifying it is the Keffer Oak.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Eric Wiseman
Contact Email: pwiseman@vt.edu
Contact Phone: 540-231-5148
Contact Info: Tom McAvoy, tmcavoy@vt.edu, John Peterson, jopeters@vt.edu
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Alex Cassell, Alex Walbrun
Additional Information
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