Tree Information
Common Name: swamp tupelo
Scientific Name: Nyssa biflora
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 3513
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: yes
Trunk Girth: 255 in.
Tree Height: 105 ft.
Crown Spread: 54 ft.
Points: 374
Date Last Measured: 2026
Last Measured by: Dylan Kania, Ben Rubinow
Date First Measured: 2026
Comments:
2026 comments: Tree is very old and hollow with large cavity on south side of trunk. Despite this, the tree is very healthy with minimal deadwood in the crown for a tree of its size and age. It appears that the entire crown was sheared out of the tree long ago by a hurricane because the current crown comprises just three to four upright leaders sprouting from the top of the thickened trunk. The base of the trunk is heavily buttressed with reaction wood and the root plate heaves up several feet. The trunk was measured at 4.5' above flat ground outside of the root plate. This swamp has the largest population of big Nyssa biflora in all of Virginia, with most rivaling the size of the largest cypresses in the same swamp.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Chesapeake
Land Owner: The Nature Conservancy
GPS Coordinates: 36.7347300, -76.1419100
Directions: Tree is located in a tract called Gum Swamp - owned by the Nature Conservancy. Tree is deep into the swamp about half-mile south of a major utility line corridor. Swamp is extremely treacherous and dangerous, and attempts to re-measure this tree and others nearby should be done with an experienced group. This swamp is too muddy and wet for for muck boots, and too debris-riddled for waders as dexterity is a must. It is also home to cottonmouths. Early spring is the best time to visit.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Dylan Kania
Contact Email: dylankania@gmail.com
Contact Phone: 757-604-3259
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Dylan Kania, Ben Rubinow
Additional Information
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