Tree Information

Common Name: southern magnolia

Scientific Name: Magnolia grandiflora

Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia

Database ID: 2994

Status: alive

National Champion: no

Virginia Champion: yes

Circumference: 284 in.

Height: 82 ft.

Crown: 91 ft.

Points: 389

Date Last Measured: 2022

Last Measured by: Byron Carmean, Dylan Kania, Gary Williamson

Date First Measured: 2022

Comments: This tree is a "wow" tree to say the least. It is approximately 100 years old and has a unique form similar to the Hampton tree, but even larger. It should be safe from harm.

A challenging tree to measure given the size and sweep of large, low branches. There are three primary leaders measuring in girth 158", 89", and 68" at 4.5' above ground. The dominant central leader is dwarfed by the upright branches, and a conventional measurement of this sole trunk would vastly underestimate the hulk of the tree.

Decision was made to measure the trunk as a basal tape wrap at the narrowest girth of the fused trunk near ground line. Direct measurement of this girth was obscured by two low branches. Therefore the width of those branches (on the northwest toward the porch) were subtracted from the measurement. That girth measurement is recorded here and used for scoring.

D. Kania & G. Williamson 2022

Location of Tree

Tree is located in: City of Newport News

State Map


Land Owner: Philip Sweat

GPS Coordinates: 37.195333, -76.572028

Directions: In front yard of house. Take interstate 64 exit 247 to Yorktown rd, continue south to address. This location is near junction route 60 and Lee Hall.

Owner Address: 53 Yorktown Rd.

Newport News, VA 23603

Owner Phone: 757-887-2361


Contact Information

Contact Name: Byron Carmean

Contact Email: rockplantrn@gmail.com

Contact Phone: 757-934-0588


Nominators

Original Nominator(s): Byron Carmean, Dylan Kania, Gary Williamson


Additional Information

I.D. Fact Sheet

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