Tree Information

Common Name: black cherry

Scientific Name: Prunus serotina

Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia

Database ID: 696

Status: alive

National Champion: no

Virginia Champion: yes

Trunk Girth: 244 in.

Tree Height: 63 ft.

Crown Spread: 73 ft.

Points: 325

Date Last Measured: 2026

Last Measured by: Byron Carmean, Gary Williamson, Dylan Kania, Bella Hardaway, Eric Wiseman

Date First Measured: 1987

Comments:
2026 Comments: Tree is visible in an historic aerial photo from 1958 with similar crown spread to current size. City Forester Steven Traylor reports that the cemetery where this tree is located is essentially abandoned according to city property records. It is listed as an unknown owner. The grounds are maintained by the nearby church and the cemeteries group within Norfolk Parks and Rec combined with the sheriff's inmate crew. There is not a regular maintenance schedule for the tree. Tree has severe infestation of vines, mostly English Ivy. Most of the vines were severed and a gap was cut through them to measure the trunk. Has lost a major branch on south side of crown, leaving a gaping wound in trunk. Main leader on the east side is declining. There is considerable dieback on the tree leaving the prognosis uncertain. Trunk was measured at narrowest girth between ground and breast height, which was about 3' above ground.
2020 Comments: Declared national champion in 2020. Dethroned in 2024 by larger tree in OH.
2016 Comments: Down from 317 points in 2006 due to reduced height from storm damage. Trunk measured at 2' above ground to avoid trunk flair due to low branches. Previously measured by Byron Carmean and Gary Williamson - Trunk: 230", Height: 62', Crown: 86', Total Points: 314.

Eric Wiseman 06/05/2026

Location of Tree

Tree is located in: City of Norfolk

State Map

Land Owner: Unknown

GPS Coordinates: 36.90479, -76.24264

Directions: Tree is located in the middle of Plantation (Oakwood) Cemetery, across the street from Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, at the corner of Sewells Point Road and Clements Avenue.

Owner Address: 6950 Sewells Point Road

Norfolk, VA 23513

Contact Information

Contact Name: Steven Traylor

Contact Email: Steven.Traylor@norfolk.gov

Contact Phone: 757-823-4037

Contact Info: Sandy Fewell. redicheck@cox.net. Sandy is a member of the Norfolk Tree Stewards.

Nominators

Original Nominator(s): Byron Carmean and Gary Williamson

Additional Information

I.D. Fact Sheet

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