Tree Information
Common Name: rusty blackhaw
Scientific Name: Viburnum rufidulum
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 38
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: yes
Trunk Girth: 76 in.
Tree Height: 29 ft.
Crown Spread: 34 ft.
Points: 114
Date Last Measured: 2016
Last Measured by: Lara Johnson and Paul DiGiacomo
Date First Measured: 1986
Comments:
2026 comments: Tree is healthy with a full, lush canopy. Size has remained nearly unchanged since original nomination 40 years ago. Two primary stems at ground level have bark inclusion and cracking. Also inclusion and cracking between secondary stems higher in the tree. Weight reduction pruning and supportive brace rods have been recommended to reduce risk of stem failures. Trunk measurement listed above was measured at 8" above ground between the root collar and the fork in primary stems. Each secondary stem was also measured at 4.5' above ground (11 stems total): 22,21,17,17,16,16,16,15,14,13,11. These stems have a composite functional circumference of 55". The fused trunk measurement will continue to be used for scoring because that is the manner in which the current national champion (TX) and other Virginia trees of this species have been measured and scored.
2024 comments: Lost co-champion status in 2024 because the Texas tree outgrow it.
2020 comments: Declared national co-champion in 2020 with a tree in Texas.
2016 comments: Tree was originally nominated as Viburnum prunifolium in 1986. It was identified as V. rufidulum by Byron Carmean in 2009 and confirmed by John Townsend and Gary Fleming of the Virginia Natural Heritage program. Healthy for its age, but showing signs of decay. Trunk circumference measured 9" above ground line due to fork in trunk. Measured by Charlie Knoeller at 68", 28', 38', 106 points.
2007 comments: Measured by Charlie Knoeller at 64", 25', 32', 97 points.
1986 comments: Tree was recognized as national co-champion following this original nomination. Measured by Richard Salzer at 64", 24', 33', 96 points.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Westmoreland
Land Owner: National Park Service
GPS Coordinates: 38.185758, -76.916092
Directions: Located on the grounds of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Tree is located about 40' from the east side of the memorial house next to the garden.
Owner Address: 1732 Popes Creek Road
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Owner Phone: 804-224-1732
Contact Information
Contact Name: Lara Johnson
Contact Email: Lara.Johnson@dof.virginia.gov
Contact Phone: 434-220-9185
Contact Info: Paul DiGiacomo (VDOF area forester): Paul.Digiacomo@dof.virginia.gov. Elizabeth Ottarson (Chief Ranger, NPS): Elizabeth_Ottarson@nps.gov. Scott Shea (Facility Manager, NPS): Kenneth_Shea@nps.gov.
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Richard Salzer
Additional Information
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