Tree Information
Common Name: American sycamore
Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 847
Status: not top 3
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Trunk Girth: 323 in.
Tree Height: 92 ft.
Crown Spread: 91 ft.
Points: 438
Date Last Measured: 2025
Last Measured by: Helena Azar and Bella Hardaway
Date First Measured: Unknown
Comments:
2025 comments: Tree is in fair condition. The main leader that declined has been removed and there is a gap in the crown. The new owner is making significant efforts to preserve the tree and have it carefully pruned. A large portion of the remaining crown extends over neighboring properties and Smith Run (tributary of North Fork Roanoke River. Therefore, crown spread was measured using Google Earth and Lidar. One of the largest single-stemmed sycamores in the state.
2017 comments: Originally nominated and measured in the 1970s. Appears to be declining. The 2017 measurements by David Formella and Leanne Bell were 328", 95', and 94' for a total of 447 points.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Montgomery
Land Owner: Leonard Bates
GPS Coordinates: 37.29472, -80.28414
Directions: Ten miles east of Blacksburg on Rt. 785 (Catawba Road) on the old McDonald Mill site. Located behind a barn that has been converted into apartments. Nearest address is 3506 Catawba Road, Blacksburg VA. Owner owns property on both sides of the road.
Owner Address: 3506 Catawba Rd.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Owner Phone: Private
Contact Information
Contact Name: Eric Wiseman
Contact Email: vabigtree@vt.edu
Contact Phone: 540-231-5148
Contact Info: Former owner/contact: Michael Martin mjmartin@vt.edu 540-315-0816
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Donald W. Martin
Other Nominators: Blacksburg Mountain 4-H Club
Additional Information
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