Tree Information
Common Name: tulip-poplar
Scientific Name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 2731
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Trunk Girth: 384 in.
Tree Height: 88 ft.
Crown Spread: 74 ft.
Points: 491
Date Last Measured: 2024
Last Measured by: Eric Wiseman and Tiffany Hannas
Date First Measured: 1972
Comments:
2024 comments: This tree has shown impressive growth since it was last measured in 2008. However, decay within its cavity persists, which is likely to continue affecting its health. Trunk girth was measured at 3' above ground, which was the narrowest girth between ground line and 4.5' above ground. Crown spread was measured using the radial spoke method.
2008 comments: A famous big tree in Virginia. It was national champion in 1972-1985, 1986-1996, and 1997-2002. Height measurement has always been difficult for this tree given the location. Although biologically possible, the height in 1986 of 146' was likely a mismeasurement because there was no evidence that the crown had died back or had been injured when measured at 138' in 2006. Following the 2006 measurements, this tree was topped due to safety concerns for the public. Despite being the namesake of the park where it is located, local officials believed this was the best course of action. Though the tree still lives and is remarkably large, it is a shadow of its former glory. It remains a tourist attraction for its hollow trunk cavity, which fits 4 to 5 people at a time. 2008 measurements: Measured by Jeff Kirwan at 366" trunk, 52' height, 67' crown, and totaling 435 points.
2006 measurements: 414" circumference, 138' height, 136' crown, and totaling 586 points. Measurements by Todd Goode.
1986 measurements: 374" circumference, 146' height, 124' crown, and totaling 551 points.
Original measurements in 1972: 363" circumference, 124' height, 122' crown, and totaling 517 points. Measurements by Robert C. Kennedy, forester.
More Photos
Bottom two photos. 2024
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Bedford
Land Owner: Town of Bedford
GPS Coordinates: 37.322110, -79.512949
Directions: North side of Smith Street. Just East of Rt.43 South and between Smith Street and Rt. 460 bypass (0.1 miles East of Rt. 43 on Smith Street)
Contact Information
Contact Name: Eric Wiseman
Contact Email: vabigtree@vt.edu
Contact Phone: 540-231-5148
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Kenneth E. Crouch
Additional Information
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