Common Name: eastern redbud Circumference: 145
Species: Height: 32
Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis var. canadensis Crown: 39
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia Points: 187
Status: alive Last Measured: 2020
National Champion: yes Last Measured by: Robert Vickers
Comments:
2021 update: This tree was crowned as sole national champion by American Forests in 2021.
2020 update: Tree dethroned as national co-champion due to discrepancy over trunk measurement and scoring. Tree is declining. It has suffered several stem failures over the years that have resulted in an extensive cavity at the base of the root collar. It appears that the original trunk developed numerous root suckers many years ago that developed into the sprawling leaders present today. Some of these leaders have developed cavities and cracks, causing them to break. The canopy is fairly dense, with sporadic dead branches emanating from the unhealthiest leaders. Most of the healthy foliage is concentrated on the epicormic sprouts that the tree continues to produce. It is likely that the tree will meet its demise once the decay in the root collar worsens and the large sprawling leaders collapse under their own weight. Trunk circumference measured 4"" above ground due to fork in the trunk.
2019 update: Declared national champion in 2018 and recognized in 2019 as national co-champion with specimen in Loudoun County, VA.

More Photos

Top. Jeff Kirwan. April 2010. Bottom. Jason Sprouls. July 2020.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Fairfax Land Owner: National Park Service
GPS Coordinates: 38.95773, -77.14390 Owner Email:
Directions:
Tree is along south side of George Washington Parkway at the exit to the CIA. It is on the southeast side of the exit.

Owner Address:


Owner Phone:
Contact Information
Contact Name: Robert Vickers Permission to Advertise: Yes
Contact Email: prvickers@aol.com Contact Address:
312 Springvale Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
Contact Phone:
 
Contact Info:
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Jeff Kirwan, Robert Vickers
Other Nominators: