Tree Information

Common Name: swamp black tupelo

Scientific Name: Nyssa biflora

Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia

Database ID: 2200

Status: alive

National Champion: no

Virginia Champion: no

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:
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.

E. Wiseman 12/20/2023

Location of Tree

Tree is located in: City of Suffolk

State Map


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

I.D. Fact Sheet

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