Tree Information
Common Name: American holly
Scientific Name: Ilex opaca
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 773
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 157 in.
Height: 67 ft.
Crown: 45 ft.
Points: 235
Date Last Measured: 2025
Last Measured by: Vic Parkes, Bella Hardaway, and Eric Wiseman
Date First Measured: 2006
Comments:
2025 comments: Declared state champion in 2025. The compressed stems could pose a structural concern. Otherwise, the tree seems to be in good health. One stem deflects west below 4.5', while the other three are upright and appressed from 2' to 7' above the ground. The trunk circumference measurement of 157" used in calculating the final score was taken at 2' above ground level below the trunk fork. Composite trunk circumference of 137" calculated using the four stems. From a west view moving from left to right: stem 1 was 76" at 6.5', stem 2 was 55" at 6.8', and stem 3 was 74" at 6.5'. Stem 4, which is the trunk deflecting westward from a south view of the tree, was 66" at 6' above ground level.
2015 comments: It is an old multi-trunk tree growing in the historic Christ Church Cemetery in Old Town Alexandria. The tombstones surrounding the tree date from the early 1800s. Vestry records from the church show burials as early as 1766. The tree appears healthy and there are no known threats to the specimen. The measurements conducted by Rod Simmons and Greg Zell in 2015 were 151", 61' and 42' for a score of 223 points.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Alexandria
Land Owner: Christ Church Episcopal Church
GPS Coordinates: 38.801948, -77.057054
Directions: Christ Church Episcopal Cemetery is located adjacent to the Alexandria National Cemetery in Old Town Alexandria. It is part of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, which is the most historic cluster of cemeteries in the United States. It dates back to the 1803 Yellow Fever epidemic, which claimed over 200 lives in Alexandria. Enter by Wilkes Street from Patrick Street. Christ Church Cemetery is on the right before entering the National Cemetery. https://www.historicchristchurch.org/history
Owner Phone: 703-549-1450
Contact Information
Contact Name: City of Alexandria Urban Forestry Team
Contact Email: 703-746-4665
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Greg Zell
Additional Information
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