Tree Information

Common Name: northern white-cedar

Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis

Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia

Database ID: 800

Status: alive

National Champion: no

Virginia Champion: yes

Circumference: 168 in.

Height: 78 ft.

Crown: 55 ft.

Points: 260

Date Last Measured: 2025

Last Measured by: Eric Wiseman and John Peterson

Date First Measured: 2005

Comments:
2025 comments: This is one of two large Thuja documented by Virginia Big Trees on this property. A large population of mature Thuja are found in this floodplain habitat that is bordered by a limestone bluff exceeding 50 feet in height. Numerous Thuja are growing in the floodplain as well as clinging to the bluff. Several springs and seeps emerge from the bluff and feed into the creek, giving it a crystal-clear aqua-blue appearance. Based on the NRCS Soil Survey, the geology here is sedimentary colluvium of sandstone and shale intermixed with alluvium of limestone. Other plant species cohabiting the site included Acer saccharum, Fraxinus americana, Juniperus virginiana, Ostrya virginiana, Quercus muehlenbergii, and Viburnum acerifolium. All of these characteristics suggest that the site is a Thuja occidentalis Appalachian Limestone Cliff Woodland Alliance based on the US National Vegetation Classification.
This tree has a complex form comprising multiple vertical stems emerging from a common root crown. It is difficult to discern whether the stems share a common pith union above ground line. Most of the stems physically seperate from one another around 3' above ground level. The largest stem has a secondary fork about 6' above ground level. There are four primary stems of similar girth at 4.5' above ground level. All but one of the primary stems has sustained significant terminal leader damage. The terminal leader of the largest stem leans heavily out over the creek and there is a noticeable canopy gap above the other stems, which suggests that the tallest leader was the only one spared from severe damage long ago.
It is impossible to determine whether these stems are a single organism or several distinct trees. Based on the shape and orientation of the trunk base and root crown, it appears that the tree sustained severe storm damage long ago that destroyed most of the original trunk and crown. Earlier reports on this tree indicate that it was struck by lightning. The stems present today were likely regrowth from the trunk base, and they have likewise sustained severe storm damage during their lifetime. Although Silvics of North America states that sprouting from roots or stumps are generally rare in Thuja, the species does possess this capacity (unlike most eastern conifers) and is likewise known for its propensity for vegetative reproduction. The canopy is full and lush on the creek side of the crown. No evidence of disease or decline. The tree seems to have recovered well from the past damage to its leaders.
This tree was disqualified for national champion consideration in the past due to its growth habit. Therefore in 2025, four primary stems were measured at 4.5' above the mid-slope position. When looking at the tree from the shore facing the creek, these stems are numbered 1 to 4 from left to right. Stem 1 is directly over the water and measured 65" girth. Stem 2 is behind stem 1 (toward the shore) and was measured below its secondary fork for a girth of 123". Stem 3 is to the right of the deep crack in the trunk and was measured above a dead secondary stem that forks from the left side of its base for a girth of 69". Stem 4 grows above the shoreline on the right side and measured 64". The total composite circumference calculated from these measurements is 168". The trunk girth at its narrowest girth above the root crown and below the forked stems was 274". This measurement was about 2' above the mid-slope position, but was tilted from horizontal due to the bow and lean of the tree growing out of the creek bank.

2016 comments: This tree was declared a national champ in 2008, but was later dethroned due to irregular trunk form. In 2016, it was noted that the tree had been struck by lightning, but still appeared healthy. It has a notable lean. Trunk circumference measured at 3' above ground due to forked trunk. Tree is multi-stemmed but believed to be one tree, based on surrounding growth forms. Largest specimen of species ever documented in Virginia as of 2020. The measurements conducted by Ward Robens and Jeff Kirwan were 269", 80', and 42' for a total of 360 points.