Tree Information
Common Name: bitternut hickory
Scientific Name: Carya cordiformis
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 2031
Status: alive
National Champion: yes
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 199 in.
Height: 111 ft.
Crown: 101 ft.
Points: 335
Date Last Measured: 2022
Last Measured by: Byron Carmean, Dylan Kania, Gary Williamson, Eric Wiseman
Date First Measured: 2013
Comments:
2024 update: Recognized as national champion for first time.
2022 comments: Difficult to judge the health of the crown because of the heavy understory and mid-story vegetation that it towers over. Trunk and root flare are in good condition. The three-stem growth habit may eventually compromise the tree's structural integrity if decay gains entry to the bark inclusions between the stems.
Trunk comprises multiple leaders at 4.5' above ground line. There are three primary stems of similar size and a fourth small stem that appears to be an epicormic sprout that developed later in life. A composite circumference calculation is most suitable for this tree. The three main stems were measured for girth as close to 4.5' above mid-slope as possible, maybe slightly higher. They were: 133", 112", 112". Smallest girth of fused trunk between 4.5' and ground line is 192". Peak of crown was difficult to see due to dense vegetation, so laser measurement was validated with 2017 LiDAR.
2013 comments: The tree looks exceptionally healthy and sound. Measured 4' above downhill side below fork. Has been ruled ineligible for national champ status in the past due to forked trunk. Another large bitternut hickory (ID#2031) is about 0.5 mile east along the riverbank. Measured by Byron Carmean, Sherrie Shannon, Gary Williamson, Jeff Kirwan at 192", 134', 76', respectively. 345 points.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Brunswick
Land Owner: Virginia-Carolina Forest Products
GPS Coordinates: 36.71674, -77.79256
Directions: North side of Meherrin River at junction with Great Creek, Approximately 75' from bank of Great Creek on east side of creek.
Owner Address: 15148 Western Mill Road
Lawrenceville, VA 23868
Owner Phone: 434-848-3067
Contact Information
Contact Name: Byron Carmean
Contact Email: rockplantrn@gmail.com
Contact Address: 3616 Labrador Lane
Suffolk, VA 23434
Contact Phone: 757-934-0588
Contact Info: Jackson Combs, Forester. jcombs@virginiacarolina.com, 434-637-0321
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Byron Carmean, Sherrie Shannon, Gary Williamson, Jeff Kirwan
Additional Information
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