Tree Information
Common Name: bear oak
Scientific Name: Quercus ilicifolia
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 2694
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 23 in.
Height: 27 ft.
Crown: 18 ft.
Points: 55
Date Last Measured: 2019
Last Measured by: Eric Wiseman
Date First Measured: 2019
Comments: A mature specimen with good form and fair health. Vitality is diminishing and live crown is relatively small, but no immediate threats were observed to its health. Trunk has two conks at about chest height that probably have persisted with the tree for decades. Located on a rugged, rocky southeast-facing ridge with a typical assortment of pitch pine, mountain laurel, and black gum. Bear oaks are scattered along the ridge along with scarlet oaks.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Botetourt
Land Owner: U.S. Forest Service
GPS Coordinates: 37.62417, -80.01944
Directions: Remote area of Jefferson National Forest. No easy way to get to it. The least strenuous route to get to it would be departing Forest Service Road 179 to the west of the tree near the peak of the mountain and navigating by GPS. Advise against trying to locate the tree in summer. Best time would be in mid-November when most other tree species have shed leaves, but bear oak still retains many leaves. This would allow to pick the tree out on the ridge line.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Eric Wiseman
Contact Email: pwiseman@vt.edu
Contact Phone: 540-231-5148
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Eric Wiseman
Additional Information
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