Tree Information
Common Name: boxelder
Scientific Name: Acer negundo
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 777
Status: legacy
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Circumference: 265 in.
Height: 33 ft.
Crown: 34 ft.
Points: 307
Date Last Measured: 2016
Last Measured by: Greg Zell
Date First Measured: 2006
Comments:
2025 comments: This tree has been declining for decades. Large sections of the dead trunk and large branches have been carved away in recent years, leaving behind a single forked stem that is still viable. The trunk is now almost entirely decomposed and has a stilt-like appearance, propped upon the ground by vestiges of the trunk's hull. Although still technically living, it has only a fraction of its former biomass and no longer has the physical dimensions to warrant its recognition as an active champion. The tree has been granted Legacy status in the big tree register until the time that it finally perishes.
2024 comments: Recognized as national co-champion with tree in Frederick, MD.
Declared national champion in 2014 and recognized as national co-champion in 2019 with another tree in Maryland. This is an amazing tree. It is a classic old age tree in decline, but stubbornly hanging on to life. It is mostly hollow with new adventitious growth coming up in the middle and along remaining central leaders. It has lost some height and crown spread in recent years due to wind damage. This tree may die next year, or live on for another twenty.
It is growing in the center of a courtyard garden of an historic Inn. A tree worth visiting. The new Innkeepers seem proud to have it on their property. Details from Essex Inn website: https://www.essexinnva.com/about-us. The Essex Inn was built in 1851 by Dr. Lawrence Roane and is an imposing Greek-Revival style structure of white stucco over brick atop a high English basement. The home has a rich history. It is rumored that during the Civil War, when Union forces were firing on Tappahannock from the Rappahannock River, a young man climbed one of the chimneys and fastened a white bedsheet to signal neutrality, saving the home from the bombardment.
Greatest documented size: measured at 257" circumference, 42' height, 50' crown, and 307 points in 2006 when measured by Greg Zell.
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Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Essex
Land Owner: Essex Inn LLC
GPS Coordinates: 37.928213, -76.858510
Owner Email: info@essexinnva.com
Directions: 203 Duke Street, PO Box 2038 Tappahannock, Virginia 22560. Located on the grounds of the Essex Inn, which is just a few blocks from the Rappahannock River and US Route 360 crossing the river.
Owner Address: 203 Duke Street, PO Box 2038
Tappahannock, VA 22560
Owner Phone: 804-443-9900
Contact Information
Contact Name: Eric Wiseman
Contact Email: vabigtree@vt.edu
Contact Phone: 540-231-5148
Contact Info: Owner is Greg Huff. Additional contact: Warren Coburn, warren.coburn@dof.virginia.gov, Department of Forestry, PO Box 759, Tappahannock, VA 22560.
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Warren Coburn
Additional Information
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