Tree Information
Common Name: common sweetleaf
Scientific Name: Symplocos tinctoria
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 711
Status: alive
National Champion: yes
Virginia Champion: yes
Circumference: 50 in.
Height: 53 ft.
Crown: 35 ft.
Points: 112
Date Last Measured: 2025
Last Measured by: Byron Carmean, Dylan Kania, and Gary Williamson
Date First Measured: 2006
Comments:
2025 comments: This tree remains healthy and sound, having gained 10 points worth of growth between 2013 and 2025.
2024 comments: Recognized again as national champion.
2013 comments: Declared national champion in 2013. The tree appears healthy. This tree grows in the same area that two previous national champs once stood. When remeasured in 2013 by Byron Carmean and Gary Williamson, the score was reduced from 111 points to 102 points due to a corrected height measurement. The 2013 measurements were 46", 48', & 32'. This tree resides at the same location as tree IDs 1998 and 2003.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Chesapeake
Land Owner: Commonwealth of Virginia
GPS Coordinates: 36.57048, -76.3281
Directions: Cavalier Wildlife Management Area. Cavalier Tract east end of Smith Ridge, 30' east of Number Two Ditch in a wooded area across from the Sand Pit. The ditch cannot be crossed without a bridge or boat. It could be accessed from the south by walking a skid trail that is visible on map, but the WMA manager must be contacted to gain access through the WMA gates.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Byron Carmean
Contact Email: rockplantrn@gmail.com
Contact Address: 3616 Labrador Ln.
Suffolk, VA 23434
Contact Phone: 757-934-0588
Contact Info: Evan Shearer, Wildlife Area Manager, M 757.790.3112, Evan.Shearer@dwr.virginia.gov
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Byron Carmean and Gary Williamson
Additional Information
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