Tree Information

Common Name: black willow

Scientific Name: Salix nigra

Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia

Database ID: 799

Status: alive

National Champion: no

Virginia Champion: yes

Trunk Girth: 276 in.

Tree Height: 77 ft.

Crown Spread: 79 ft.

Points: 372

Date Last Measured: 2026

Last Measured by: Wesley Meade and Bella Hardaway

Date First Measured: 2006

Comments:
2026 Comments: Tree has many deformities on the trunk with some vines growing. Canopy still appears healthy otherwise. Tree measured at 4.9 feet above mid-slope on the east side of the tree. Tape wrapped above burl because of broken leader on northwest side, which prevented lower basal wrap. Height was likely overestimated in the past because there were no indications of injury that would have reduced height substantially. A 2021 Lidar scan shows the height as 76'. It is unlikely that the tree gained 100" in trunk girth in 10 years. This increase must be due to differences in measurement location on the trunk.
2016 Comments: The tree measurers found that one fork of the tree had broken away, although still attached and laying on the ground. Another fork appeared to have pulled away from the tree. Measured trunk circumference around the three remaining three trunks. Had a massive decrease in circumference from 294" to 176" due to multiple pieces of the tree falling off; as a result, there was a hefty fall in points from 401 to 286. Measured by Jeff Kirwan and Ward Robens - Trunk: 176", Height: 95', Crown: 58', Total Points: 286.
2010 Comments: This tree was a national champ until 2010 when a larger one was found.
2006 Comments: Measured by Jeff Kirwan, Ward Robens, and Anne Wright. Score was 401 points. Trunk was 294". Height and crown measurements lost.