Tree Information
Common Name: southern magnolia
Scientific Name: Magnolia grandiflora
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 2994
Status: alive
National Champion: yes
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:
2024 update: Recognized as national champion for first time.
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.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Newport News
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
Our Partners
