Tree Information
Common Name: northern catalpa
Scientific Name: Catalpa speciosa
Native/Naturalized: Native to North America
Database ID: 48
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 268 in.
Height: 63 ft.
Crown: 86 ft.
Points: 353
Date Last Measured: 2025
Last Measured by: Bella Hardaway
Date First Measured: 1991
Comments:
2025 comments: This tree is a new co-state champion with one in Tazewell. The trunk circumference was measured at smallest girth between chest height and ground level due to a large mass on the southeast aspect of the tree and the co-dominant leaders' low position. It seems to still be in mostly good health, with some decay indicated by the mass and volunteer species in the crotch of the tree where the three leaders join.
2015 comments: Measured by Jon Matiuk at 241" trunk, 66' height, 78' crown, 327 points. Recognized as national champion in 2019, but dethroned in 2020 by larger tree in Ohio. The tree lost a large limb when another tree fell several years ago. Other than that, the tree is healthy and not endangered.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Lexington
Land Owner: Nelsen Nicely
GPS Coordinates: 37.767427, -79.456294
Owner Email: Private
Directions: Impossible to miss in the front yard of the owner's address.
Owner Address: 939 Thornhill Drive
Lexington, VA 24450
Owner Phone: Private
Contact Information
Contact Name: Eric Wiseman
Contact Email: vabigtree@vt.edu
Contact Phone: 540-231-5148
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): William S. Hubard
Additional Information
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