Tree Information

Common Name: shellbark hickory

Scientific Name: Carya laciniosa

Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia

Database ID: 1739

Status: alive

National Champion: no

Virginia Champion: no

Trunk Girth: 195 in.

Tree Height: 95 ft.

Crown Spread: 82 ft.

Points: 311

Date Last Measured: 2023

Last Measured by: Eric Wiseman, Jamie Wood

Date First Measured: 2010

Comments:
2023 Comments: The tree is in excellent condition. No indications of stress. The tree has a lightning protection system and two support cables. The root collar appears to be buried by fill soil, but no indications of decay. Height reduced considerably from 2010 measurement, not because of decline, but rather inaccuracy of previous measurement.
It is unlikely that this is a naturally occurring tree given that the species is not documented by the USDA or by the Flora of Virginia Project as native to Fauquier County (or any other Virginia county). However, it is documented nearby in Hardy County, WV and Jefferson County, MD. The tree is positioned oddly in the courtyard and not where you would expect a tree to be if it were being designed into a landscape. This suggests that the tree preceded the current dwelling. Perhaps inhabitation occurred on this site by indigenous people or settlers and the tree was planted for its edible nuts.
2010 Comments: The property was owned by actor Robert Duvall at the time of nomination. Bartlett Tree Experts has cared for the tree in the past. Measured by Carmean, Williamson, Kirwan at circumference 180", height 112', crown 72', 310 total points.