Tree Information
Common Name: American sycamore
Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 2095
Status: not top 3
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Circumference: 236 in.
Height: 142 ft.
Crown: 96 ft.
Points: 402
Date Last Measured: 2024
Last Measured by: Robert Vickers and Jack Gurney
Date First Measured: 2014
Comments:
2024 comments: Tree has an enormous triple trunk and is located on a slight slope. The tree comprises three stems that fork from the trunk at 12" above ground level. It clearly is regeneration from the stump of a mother tree that perished long ago. Three stems measured at 4.5' above ground equal 156", 129", and 121". Composite trunk circumference calculated from these measurements is 236". Trunk measured at 1" above ground, wrapping tape around the base of all three stems is 356". Measuring the trunk this low inflates the measurement and makes for an unfair comparison with single-trunk trees measured at the standard height of 4.5' above ground level. Therefore, the score shown here uses the composite trunk circumference, which provides a fairer comparison.
2014 comments: An enormous, tall, triple trunk sycamore in very healthy condition. Trunk circumference measured at 12" above ground. Measured in 2014 by Bob Vickers at 333" trunk, 137' height, 91' crown, totaling 493 points.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Fairfax
Land Owner: Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
GPS Coordinates: 39.054942, -77.32147
Directions: The tree is in the Seneca tract of the NVRPA along the Potomac River at the end of Seneca Road in Great Falls, Va. The tree is on the western end of Potomac island in the Potomac river on the Virginia side. The island belongs to Virginia because it was created by a barge canal dug around 1804. The tree can be seen easily from the south side of the canal along the Potomac heritage trail. Access to the island can be done at low water.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Robert Vickers
Contact Email: prvickers@aol.com
Contact Address: 312 Springvale Rd
Great Falls, VA 22066
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Robert Vickers
Additional Information
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