Tree Information
Common Name: swamp black tupelo
Scientific Name: Nyssa biflora
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 2200
Status: alive
National Champion: yes
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 209 in.
Height: 92 ft.
Crown: 72 ft.
Points: 319
Date Last Measured: 2023
Last Measured by: Byron Carmean, Eric Wiseman, and Alex Adams
Date First Measured: 2014
Comments:
2024 update: Recognized as national co-champion with another tree in Chesapeake, VA.
2023 comments: Tree appears healthy and sound. Largest tree at the edge of a transition between pine and hardwood. Trunk measured at 4.5' above the ground level using a ground baseline to the southwest of the trunk on stable ground off of root plate about 10' from trunk. Appears that height was overestimated in 2014 because there is no visible evidence that the crown was damaged or died back. Lidar from 2018 indicates height 91', so current height measurement in field seems reasonable. Tree is not a state or national champion anymore.
2020 comments: Recognized in 2020 as national co-champion with a tree in Chesapeake, VA.
2014 comments: The tree appears very healthy for its apparent old age. There is an American holly growing in a crotch approximately 35-40 feet up in the crown. Measured in 2014 by Byron Carmean, Tim McCormic, and Gary Williamson. Circumference: 206", Height: 110', Crown: 64', Points: 332.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Suffolk
Land Owner: State of Virginia - Dept. of Conservation and Recreation
GPS Coordinates: 36.57624, -76.90260
Directions: South Quay Sandhills Natural Area Preserve. Past the yellow gate 1/2 to 1 mile down the road. Smaller path is on the left, tree is in the woods on your left 1/4 mile down the smaller path.
Owner Address: 600 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Owner Phone: 757-925-2318
Contact Information
Contact Name: Darren Loomis
Contact Email: darren.loomis@dcr.virginia.gov
Contact Phone: 757-510-3487
Contact Info: Darren Loomis, SE Region Steward Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Natural Heritage Suffolk, VA
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Byron Carmean, Tim McCormic, Gary Williamson
Additional Information
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