Tree Information
Common Name: slippery elm
Scientific Name: Ulmus rubra
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 840
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 247 in.
Height: 108 ft.
Crown: 74 ft.
Points: 374
Date Last Measured: 2021
Last Measured by: Jared Manzo
Date First Measured: 2005
Comments: Tree is in good condition. No significant signs of decay present (2021).
Species identification of this tree is not conclusive at this time. Chris Lewis (consulting arborist) believes it is slippery (red) elm based on fruit samples. Dr. John Seiler (Virginia Tech dendrologist) cannot rule out a European variety based on the samples he examined. It was the largest specimen of the species ever documented by the program as of 2021.
The tree has significant cultural status in the community. Tree is reported to be protected by the Virginia Preservation Society. Much lore surrounds the tree as it is believed to be a witness tree of the Civil War, although no documentation of its age is known. An essay about the tree was posted on Facebook by ""Winchester Tales"" in November 2020: https://www.facebook.com/111381873717547/posts/220269196162147
Tree was previously measured at 236"", 108', 91' and 367 points in 2011 by Byron Carmean, Gary Williamson, and Jeff Kirwan.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Winchester
Land Owner: Mount Hebron Cemetery
GPS Coordinates: 39.18251, -78.15947
Owner Email: jim@mthebroncemetery.org
Directions: Take Boscawen St. east into Mt. Hebron Cemetery, through the archway to the corner.
Owner Address: 305 E Boscawen St
Winchester, VA 22601
Owner Phone: 540-662-4868
Contact Information
Contact Name: Donald Shade
Contact Email: donald.mthebron@comcast.net
Contact Info: Chris Lewis, consulting arborist, cplewis2@comcast.net
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Donald Shade