Tree Information
Common Name: dwarf hackberry
Scientific Name: Celtis pumila (syn. Celtis tenuifolia)
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 1499
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Trunk Girth: 68 in.
Tree Height: 34 ft.
Crown Spread: 42 ft.
Points: 113
Date Last Measured: 2025
Last Measured by: Vic Parkes, Bella Hardaway, and Eric Wiseman
Date First Measured: 2009
Comments:
2025 comments: The tree is growing against the curb among a dense burning bush hedge that is engulfing the trunk. English ivy is also invading the trunk. Its dense, lush crown overhangs the street.
2017 comments: Was crowned a national champ in 2010, but later lost its crown. One of a number of dwarf hackberries growing in the Alexandria National Cemetery complex. The cemetery, in Old Town Alexandria, is home to a number of historic grave sites and old tree specimens. Tree is generally healthy, but growing in a compromised location - along a roadway curb and hedge boundary to the cemetery. This specimen may be at risk in future due to location. The measurements conducted by Greg Zell and Matt Barker in 2017 were 64", 38', and 44' for a score of 113 points.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Alexandria
Land Owner: City of Alexandria
GPS Coordinates: 38.799973, -77.054916
Directions: Located next to the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex in Old Town Alexandria near the intersection of South Payne Street and Gibbon Street. The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex 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. This tree is growing on the edge of curbing of South Payne Street. Another large dwarf hackberry is growing on the street nearby.
Owner Phone: 703-746-4654
Contact Information
Contact Name: City of Alexandria Urban Forestry Team
Contact Phone: 703-746-4665
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Rod Simmons, Greg Zell
Additional Information
http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CETEOur Partners
