Great
Eastern Trees, Past and Present
Colby B. Rucker
February 2004
Although trees of all sizes can be of interest, it is the largest trees that truly capture our attention. Many of these giants are landmarks, and some have a connection with some historic event. Many of the largest trees are quite old, and nearing the end of their life. Although the Wye Oak reigned as the national champion for over sixty years, most champions yield their place to new specimens comparatively quickly. Many grand old trees no longer exist, and it is often difficult to determine their actual size, structure or history.
From the earliest sources to the present, a frequent lack of uniformity or accuracy in measuring makes it difficult to determine the actual size of trees, including those that are the most famous. Measurements of trees taken from older national and state registries may be in error. Some trees accepted as champions were actually multiple-trunked specimens. Trunks were often measured below breast height, many heights were greatly exaggerated, and spreads were often maximums or aggregates, not averages. I have added comments regarding the actual size of such trees. In recent years, American Forests, Americas oldest national conservation organization, has made a concerted effort to expand and refine their National Registry of Big Trees. To insure greater accuracy, American Forests is developing new guidelines for measuring trees and checking nominations. Many state big-tree programs have made similar changes.
I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to American Forests for their kind permission to use extensive information from the National Register of Big Trees and other American Forests publications. I am also most grateful to Robert T. Leverett, Michael Davie, Will Blozan, Ed Nizalowski and other members of the Eastern Native Tree Society for additional information on exceptional trees.
Much information regarding interesting old trees has been gathered from books, newspaper articles and the Internet. State and national big-tree registries are a particularly valuable source of information. Some of these are here included as references. Most of the trees in the following list are twenty feet or more in circumference at breast height, which is four and a half feet above grade, abbreviated to cbh. Properly, the spread is the average of the two greatest crown spreads that are at right angles to each other. A descriptive name has been assigned to many trees, but only underlined names are in common usage. The states are arranged in a geographical order, which facilitates comparisons of many of the species common to those general regions.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Yellow Birch. National champion 1983-2002: CBH 21 0, ht. 76, spr. 91. Deer Isle.
ref.: American Forests, National Register of Big Trees, 2000, p. 34 (photo).
Comments: This tree
has divergent branches, but no central leader above a short trunk. It does not appear to be a coppice, but
multiple hearts are likely at breast height.
Girth probably taken below breast height, so the Rule of 73 should be
applied.
Silver Maple. National champion 1945-1966: CBH 22 10, ht. 90, spr. 110. Fryeburg Harbor.
STATE
CHAMPIONS
Herbie American elm. CBH 20 0, ht. 93, spr. 110. Located in Yarmouth.
ref.: Internet. Wright, Virginia. Champion of Trees, American Profile, January 4-10, 2004.
STATE
CHAMPIONS
Northern Red Oak. State champion list as (1990) circumference (at 4) 21 6, ht.82, spr. 92. Shaftsbury, Bennington Co.
Northern Red Oak.
State champion list as (1993) circumference (at 4) 20 0, ht. 85, spr
127. Tinmouth, Rutland Co.
GREAT
TREES OF THE PAST
Hampton Elm. American elm. Locally famous tree located on Elmwood Corner, on Winnacunnet Road, in Hampton. In 1946, it measured 25 in circumference at the ground, and 22 4 six feet up. Diagnosed with Dutch elm disease in 1956, cut down in 1960, when a ring count showed it to be 176 years old.
ref.: Internet. Hampton: A Century of Town and Beach, 1888-1988. (Chapter 18, Part 3)
Sugar Maple. Once said to be the largest tree in New England. Circumference at grade 28. Forked at 17, diameter of larger lead 4 at 51 above grade, circumference smaller 11 6 at 56 above grade. Total height 96. The tree fell in 1846; it yielded 3300 board feet of lumber and nine cords of firewood. Located on the farm of Joseph Hobbs, Esq., Ossipee, Stafford Co.
ref.: New York Farmer and Mechanic, April 1846. (courtesy of Ed Nizalowski, 7/26/2003)
White Pine. A pine cut long ago on the site of Dartmouth College was said to have been 240 tall. Although many doubt the species is capable of attaining such a height, the legend has persisted.
ref.: Lane, Ferdinand C., 1953. The Story of Trees, pp. 67-68.
GREAT
TREES OF THE PAST
Hubbard Elm. American elm. CBH (ca. 1921) 24 5, ht. 98, spr. 65. Once located in North Andover, the tree is presumed dead.
ref.: Illick, 1927. Common Trees of Massachusetts, p.11.
Lafayette Elm. American elm. Historic tree. CBH (ca. 1921) 20 7, ht. 75, spr. 110. Stood in Ware; now presumed dead.
ref.: Illick 1927. Common Trees of Massachusetts, p.11.
Rugg Elm. American elm. Circumference (1921) 25 ½ feet at point of trunk division. ht. 70, spr. 145. Framingham. Tree is presumed dead.
ref.: Illick, 1927. Common Trees of Massachusetts, p.12.
Comments: Illicks description suggests this was a double tree, probably a coppice.
GREAT SYCAMORES OF MASSACHUSETTS
Hatfield Sycamore. Measurements by Leverett & Blozan 10/26/03: CBH 23 11.0, ht. 117.1, spr. 129, pts. 436. The trunk is 5.4 in diameter at a height of 22.4, above which it first branches. Main Street, Hatfield.
Pocumtuck Buttonwood. (Deerfield Sycamore). Measurements by Leverett & Blozan 10/26/03). CBH 21 8.5, ht. 122.1, spr. 112, pts. 411. Located in Old Deerfield.
Shaker Sycamore. CBH 20.0, ht. 90.2. (measurements by Leverett).
Sunderland Buttonwood. American sycamore. Historic tree. Measurement ca. 1921: CBH ca. 20 6, ht. 100, spr. 100. Measurement by Leverett & Blozan, 10/26/03: CBH 24 11.0, ht. 114.4, maximum spr. 153; average spr. 143, pts. 449. This roadside tree has four large upcurving leads above about eighteen feet of massive trunk. It is marked by a bronze plaque on a stone base. Located on Route 47, north of its intersection with Route 116.
ref.: Illick, 1927. Common Trees of Massachusetts, p. 12.
West Springfield Sycamore. CBH 19.2, ht. 102. (measurements by Leverett). West Springfield.
MASSACHUSETTS NATIONAL
CHAMPIONS
Northern Red Oak. National champion 1983-1986: CBH 26 6, ht. 98, spr. 102. 1999-2001: CBH 28 6, ht. 134, spr. 81. Buckland, Franklin Co.
Comments: The claimed height of 134 feet is excessive for the northeast, and the increase from 98 feet suggests an error due to false top triangulation. Outpointed by a New York coppice with three well-separated trunks.
MASSACHUSETTS STATE CHAMPIONS
GREAT
TREES OF THE PAST
Sycamore. A sycamore that fell in 1869 was said to be 32 feet in girth. The location is unknown.
ref.: Lamb, Frank H., 1939. Book of the Broadleaf Trees. p. 249.
GREAT TREES OF THE PAST
Wethersfield Elm. American elm. National champion: CBH 30 3, ht. 97, spr. ca. 140. Measurements 1930: CBH 29 6, ht. ca. 100, spr. ca. 150. Located in Wethersfield. Damaged by the hurricane of 1938. Died 1950.
ref.: Lamb, Frank H., 1939. Book of the Hardwood Trees. p.193 (photo).
ref.: American Forests, September 1955, p.36 (photo).
ref.: Grimm, William C., 1967. Familiar Trees of America, p. 132.
Comments: A massive
tree with seven leads above a compact but well-defined trunk. This was one of the largest of Americas
great elms. Peattie (1950), p.240,
states the girth at breast height was 41 feet, an obvious error.
Charter Oak. White oak. Historic tree, very old and hollow. Said to have been 33 feet in circumference at the base. Blown down August 21, 1856. In 1907, a monument was erected nearby at Charter Oak Avenue and Charter Oak Place, in Hartford. Artifacts are on display in the State Library.
ref.: Randall, Charles Edgar and Henry Clepper, 1976. Famous and Historic Trees. The American Forestry Association, pp. 4, 6 (image of well-known painting).
Ledyard Oak. White oak. Circumference 21 feet, spread 105 feet. Estimated to be 400 years old. Located in Ledyard. Tree and 11 acres were deeded to the town ca. 1960. The tree died in 1968.
ref.: From an Acorn, Maryland Living, Baltimore News American, 6/8/1969.
SOME CONNECTICUT NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Butternut.
National champion 1998: CBH 21 7, ht. 78, spr. 76. State champion list as (1998) CBH 21 7,
ht. 78, spr. 77. Chester.
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, September 2004 (photo).
Comments: From the
photograph, this tree forks 10-12 feet up, with a deep furrow extending to the
ground. Despite the high fork, it
appears this tree is double-hearted, perhaps of coppice origin.
American Elm. Dead. National champion, April 1941: CBH 28 0, ht. 147, spr. 97. Middletown. Presumed dead.
ref: American Forests, Jan/Feb 1990. National Register of Big Trees, p. 4.
Sugar Maple. National champion 1984-1990: CBH 22 5, ht. 91, spr. 80. National champion 1994: CBH 22 5, ht. 58, spr. 72. Norwich.
Comments: Note 36% reduction in height measurement.
Black Oak. National champion 1989-1998 CBH 25 8, ht. 84 spr. 95. 1999-2001: CBH 26 10, ht. 86, spr. 105. New Gate Road, East Granby.
ref.: American Forests, National Register of Big Trees, February 1992, p. 10 (photo).
ref.: American Forests, National Register of Big Trees, Winter 1996, p. 26 (photo).
Comments: Although
the crown of this tree gives no suggestion of great age, the thick-barked trunk
flares to a surprisingly great circumference.
The trunk may be hollow, thereby stimulating the exceptional girth.
Northern Red Oak.
National champion 1965-1966: CBH 26 4, ht. 78, spr. 104. State champion list as (1998) CBH 27 9,
ht. 68, spr. 61. Ashford.
Eastern Cottonwood. State champion list as (1997) 20 10, ht. 108, spr. 114. Greenwich.
Silver Maple. State champion list as (1986) CBH 23 11, ht. 81, spr. 99. Ridgefield.
White Oak. State champion list as (1998) CBH 22 6, ht. 79, spr. 108, pts. 370. West Hartford.
Pinchot Sycamore. (Gifford Pinchot Sycamore). Largest American sycamore in Connecticut. CBH 27.0, ht. 96.6(measurement by Leverett). State champion list as (1998) CBH 27 0, ht. 95, spr. 140, pts 454. Located off Route 85, on the east bank of the Farmington River, in Simsbury. Tree dedicated in 1965 in honor of Gifford Pinchot, who was born in Simsbury in 1865.
ref.: Randall, Charles Edgar and Henry Clepper, 1976. Famous and Historic Trees. The American Forestry Association, p. 63.
Comments: This tree has four very large spreading limbs and a central lead above about eight feet of massive trunk. The largest limb is 13 in circumference.
Tuliptree. State champion list as (1991) CBH 24 5, ht. 104, spr. 72. Pomfret.
Dewey-Granby Oak. White oak. CBH 19 feet, height 72 feet (measured by Leverett, Beluzo & Knuerr 3/26/2001). Maximum spread said to be 130 feet. Day Street, Granby, Hartford Co.
Comments: This stocky oak is significant for its age and picturesque low-spreading limb structure, with at least two large limbs resting on the ground.
Little Pinchot Sycamore. American sycamore. CBH 19.3, ht. 95.0 (measurement by Leverett). Tree about 100 yards from Pinchot Sycamore. Simsbury.
American Chestnut. Girth (1921) 26 feet. Located at Esopus (ca. 15 miles NNW of Poughkeepsie). Tree died before 1927.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of new York, p.12.
Gowanda Elm. American elm. Said to have been New Yorks largest tree. Circumference (1921) 34 2. Circumference reputed to have been 39 feet near the ground, and the trunk clear for fifty feet, where it was 20 feet in girth. Height 100 feet. Estimated to contain 17,000 board feet of lumber. Located in Gowanda, Cattaraugus County. Tree now dead.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New York, pp. 10, 11.
ref.: Lane, Ferdinand C. 1953, The Story of Trees. p. 66.
ref.: Grimm, William C. 1967. Familiar Trees of America, p. 132.
Comments: Although the elevation of the 1921 measurement is unknown, the amount of clear trunk and board footage makes this one of the largest known elms.
Markham Elm. American elm. Reputed to be nearly 50 feet in circumference and 654 years old (before 1950). Also a claim of 40 feet. More reliably, Illick lists the girth (1921) as 18 feet. Owner: W. G. Markham, Avon, Livingston County. Tree is presumed dead.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New York, p. 11.
ref.: Peattie, Donald Culross 1950. A Natural History of Trees, p. 240.
ref.: Lane, Ferdinand C. 1953, The Story of Trees, p. 66.
Comments: It appears the reputation of this tree was due to measurements taken around the perimeter of a large basal flare.
American Elm. Circumference (1921) 25 feet (only 3 inches above grade). Located at Geneva, Ontario County. Tree is presumed dead.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New York, p. 11.
American Elm. Circumference (1921) 24 10 (3 feet up). Located at Italy Hollow.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New York, p. 11. Tree is presumed dead.
American Elm. Circumference (1921) 24 7. Located in Syracuse, Onondaga County.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New York, p. 12. Tree is presumed dead.
American Elm. Circumference (1921) 22 5. Located in Livonia, Livingston County.
ref.: Illick,
Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New
York, p. 12. Tree is presumed
dead.
American Elm. Circumfgerence (1921) 21 6. Located at Bath, Steuben Co.
ref.: Illick,
Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New
York, p. 12. Tree is presumed dead.
American Elm. Circumference (1921) 21 feet. Located in Savona, Steuben County.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New York, p. 12. Tree is presumed dead.
American Elm. Circumference (1921) 20 feet. Located in Gerry, Chatauqua County.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S. 1927. Common Trees of New York. Tree is presumed dead.
Washington Oak. Chestnut oak. This ancient tree is said to have been seven feet in diameter. George Washington is said to have mounted his horse here in 1783 enroute to his army at Fishkill. The tree stood on the east bank of the Hudson River at Presquile, near Fishkill-on-the-Hudson.
ref.: Mathews, F. Schuyler 1923. Familiar Trees and Their Leaves. p. 155.
ref.: Collingwood, G. H., and Warren D. Brush, 1947. Knowing Your Trees, The American Forestry Association, p. 224.
ref.: Collingwood, G. H., and Warren D. Brush, 1974. Knowing Your Trees, The American Forestry Association 1974, p. 238.
Comments: From the above references, the tree appeared to be living in 1947, but dead by 1974.
Wadsworth Oak. Swamp White Oak. Historic tree, site of 1797 treaty with Seneca Indians. The short trunk had a circumference of 27 feet in 1851. The height was 100 feet. Located on the Wadsworth estate, one mile from the village of Geneseo, Livingston County. The tree was located on the east bank of the Genesee River. It was destroyed in a flood in 1857 due to erosion of the bank of the river. A section of the trunk has been preserved and is displayed behind the Geneseo Historical Museum.
ref.: Mathews, F. Schuyler 1923. Familiar Trees and Their Leaves. p. 152.
ref.: Illick 1927, Common Trees of Massachusetts. p. 66.
ref.: Collingwood, G. H, and Warren D. Bush, 1947. Knowing Your Trees, The American Forestry Association, p.220.
ref.: Peattie, Donald Culross 1950. A Natural History of Trees, p. 206.
ref.: Internet The Big Tree Inn, etc.
White Oak. Girth (1921) 21 6. Located at Stony Brook, Suffolk County, Long Island.
ref.: Illick, Joseph S., 1927. Common Trees of New York, p. 11.
Eastern White Pine. It is said that a fallen specimen at Meridith, New York measured 247 feet in length.
ref.: American Forests, Spring 2000, p. 38.
Comments: No other details are available. No authenticated records indicate that such heights were actually attained.
Black Walnut. An immense black walnut, said to be the biggest tree east of the Rocky Mountains, stood on the banks of Walnut Creek, at the town of Silver Creek, Hanover Township, Cattaraugus County. By one account it was 27 feet in circumference, 9 feet in diameter, and 70 feet to the first branch. By another, it was 31 feet in circumference, and over 10 feet thick. It was blown down in 1822. A local grocer had a thirteen-foot section hollowed and fitted with a roof and floor for an addition to his store. A businessman bought the section in 1825, and exhibited it in Buffalo. It changed hands, was shown in New York City, and loaned to a museum in London, England, where it was lost in a fire. The original site, at Ward Avenue and Route 20, is marked by a millstone placed by the DAR in 1928.
ref.: Internet. Silver Creek History
ref.: Internet. Fun Facts, Cattaraugus County
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, July 2003 (photo).
American Elm. National champion 1974-1978: CBH 26 5, ht. 92, spr. 102. Center White Creek. Presumed dead.
Black Locust. National champion 1974-2001: CBH 23 4, ht. 96, spr. 92. National champion 2001-2002: CBH 26 0, ht. 94, spr. 68. Dansville, Livingston County.
ref: American Forests, National Register of Big Trees, 1982, p. 46 (photo).
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, July 2004 (photo).
Comments: The 1982 photo suggests this is a double tree, perhaps a coppice, but forking well above breast height. It probably would not pass the slice test.
Chestnut Oak. National champion 1972-1982: CBH 21 10, ht. 75, spr. 100. 1990: CBH 22 0, ht. 95, spr. 82. Northport.
Northern Red Oak. National champion 1987-1996: CBH 30 10, ht. 66, spr. 89. 1997: CBH 27 6, ht. 66, spr. 89. Rochester, Monroe County.
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, September 1997 (photo).
Comments: This tree is a backyard coppice with three well-spaced stems and no defined trunk.
Northern Red Oak. National champion 2001-2002: CBH 33 9, ht. 80, spr. 102. Apparently located on a residential property. Rochester, Monroe Co.
ref.: Internet (three photographs)
Comments: This massive tree appears to be a double-trunked coppice, probably forking above breast height, with the larger trunk forking again perhaps 12-15 feet up.
American Basswood. State champion list as CBH 20 7, ht. 76, spr. 56. Delaware Co.
Butternut. State champion list as CBH 21 6, ht. 61, spr. 104. Oneida Co.
Eastern Cottonwood. State champion list as CBH 30 5, ht. 98, spr. 100. Rennsellaer Co.
Red Maple. State champion list as CBH 21 3, ht. 135, spr. 108. Madison Co.
Silver Maple. State champion list as CBH 22 0, ht. 110, spr. 112. Cattaraugus Co.
GREAT WHITE OAKS,
PAST AND PRESENT
Joyce Kilmer Oak. White oak. Large open-grown tree with symmetrical crown, spread over 100. Often said to be the 1906 inspiration for Kilmers 1913 poem. Rutgers University, New Brunswick. The tree died, and was taken down in September 1963.
ref.: Life magazine, 8/30/1963 (photo).
ref: Kilmers Tree Coming Down, Evening Sun (Baltimore), 9/16/1963.
Tatum Oak. White oak. CBH 25 ½ feet, ht. 87, spr. 121. The Tatum Oak died before 1950. Located at Mantua Grove, West Deptford Township.
ref.: Peattie, Donald Culross 1950. A Natural History of Trees, p. 200.
White Oak. 27 feet in girth at 3 feet above grade. This old tree blew down in 1869. It was located at the White Horse Tavern in Trenton.
ref.: Lamb, Frank H. 1939. Book of the Broadleaf Trees. p. 153.
White Oak.
CBH 24 feet. Evesham. (see Frank H. Lamb, p. 153).
White Oak. CBH 22 7 (1998). Somerset Co.
ref.: Internet. Garden State EnviroNet.
Salem Oak. CBH (1996-98) 21 6, ht. 61, spread (east-west) 86; spread (north-south) 122, pts. 345. This tree, located at Friends Cemetery, in Salem, in Salem County, is said to be the site of a treaty with the Indians, and at least 400 years old.
ref.: Lamb, Frank H. 1939. Book of the Broadleaf Trees. pp. 112 (photo), 153.
ref.: Peattie, Donald Culross, 1950. A Natural History of Trees, p. 200.
ref.: Grimm, William C., 1967. Familiar Trees of America, p.114.
ref.: Internet. Salem County Historical Society. (photographs & text)
ref.: Internet. Oak Tree Chapter NSDAR. (illustration & text)
Comments: This
handsome tree has a single trunk to some height, and a symmetrical crown.
White Oak. Over twenty feet in girth. Quaker meeting house, Crosswicks.
ref.: Lamb, Frank H. 1939. Book of the Broadleaf Trees, p. 153.
Mercer Oak. White oak. Princeton Battlefield Park. Named for General Hugh Mercer, who was fatally wounded in the Battle of Princeton, 1/3/1777, and is said to have rested by the tree. Dimensions unknown. The tree, greatly decayed, collapsed 3/3/2000.
ref.: Internet. Princeton Battlefield Park.
SOME NEW JERSEY STATE CHAMPIONS
White Ash. CBH 25 0 (1998 list). Morris Co.
ref.: Internet.
Garden State EnviroNet.
White Ash. CBH 20 2 (1998 list). Camden Co. Extinct.
ref.: Internet. Garden State EnviroNet.
Baldcypress. CBH 21 11 (1998 list). Salem Co.
ref.: Internet. Garden State EnviroNet.
American Basswood. CBH 20 1 (1998 list). Monmouth Co. Extinct.
ref.: Internet. Garden State EnviroNet.
Silver Maple. CBH 25 0 (1998 list). Somerset Co.
ref.: Internet. Garden State EnviroNet.
Northern Red Oak. CBH 20 1. Near Musconetoncong River, Mansfiels Township, Warren Co.
ref.: Internet. New Jersey forest service.
American Sycamore. CBH 23 1 (1998 list). Warren Co. It appears this may be the General Washington Sycamore.
ref.: Internet. Garden State EnviroNet.
Tuliptree. CBH 20 0 (1998 list). Mercer Co.
ref.: Internet. Garden State EnviroNet.
OTHER LARGE TREES OF
NEW JERSEY
Black Walnut. 24 feet around the trunk. Near Hanover Neck, Morris County.
ref.: Lane, Ferdinand C. 1953, The Story of Trees, p. 67.
Comments: Lane referred to the tree as if existing in 1953, but such is uncertain, and no other references have been found.
The General Washington Sycamore. American sycamore. CBH 21 8. Located on Route 521, 1.5 miles south of Hope, in Warren County. Washington said to have rested here in July 1782.
ref.: Randall, Charles Edgar and Henry Clepper, 1976. Famous and Historic Trees. The American Forestry Association, p.16.
GREAT
TREES OF THE PAST
Grant Noll Buttonwood. This immense open-grown tree stood in front of a large farmhouse west of Rohrerstown, Lancaster County. CBH ca. 27 ½ feet, height 105 feet. Circumference 22 feet at five feet above grade. Maximum spread 138 feet. A huge low limb was 85 feet in length, horizontally, the stem reaching to within two feet of the ground. Once considered Pennsylvanias most massive tree. Now dead.
ref.: Womans Day magazine, ca. 1956 (description and photograph)
ref.: Grimm, William C., 1967. Familiar Trees of America, p. 155.
Shackamaxon Elm. American elm. Penns Treaty Elm; signed treaty with Indians here. Girth 24 feet. The tree was blown down 3/3/1810, aged 283 years. The site is marked by a large stone monument.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982. pp. 30, 31.
American Elm. CBH 24 6. Berks Co.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982. Tree is presumed dead.
The Lone Sentinel. American elm. CBH 20 2, ht. 90, spr. 135 x 95 (115 av. spr.). Also claimed to be 22 6. Recognized as a state champion in 1983. The fall of a six-ton limb revealed massive decay, and the entire crown was removed in Sept. 1998. Located in Bayne Park, Bellevue, Allegheny County.
ref.: Internet, including 1998 newspaper articles.
Catalpa. Circumference 24 feet, height 70-80 feet. Located on a small farm owned by Robert Smith in Center Moreland, near Scranton. Tree was measured for an unknown survey (perhaps Penns Woods) in the 1970s. It was blown down in July 2003.
ref.: E-mail from Mr. Smith to the Eastern Native Tree Society, 12/7/2003.
Bur Oak. CBH 21 0. Union Co. Tree dying 1982.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982. Tree is presumed dead.
Bur Oak. Circumference at grade 39 9; diameter at breast height 7 feet, according to Dr. Joseph S. Illick in Pennsylvania Trees. Located near Neffs Mill, Huntingdon County. Destroyed in storm, 1924.
ref.: Grimm, William Carey, 1957. The Book of Trees. p. 176.
ref.: Grimm, William C., 1967. Familiar Trees of America, p. 118.
Eastern White Pine. Girth 37 feet, height 200 feet. Felled near Cedar Run.
ref.: Lane, Ferdinand C., 1953. The Story of Trees, p.67.
Comments: Lane gives no other details. The girth seems excessive, even at grade.
MORE
PENNSYLVANIA GIANTS
Holland Hall Farm Ash. White ash. CBH 21 9. 150 Middle Holland Road, Holland, Northampton Township, Bucks County.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982, pp. 48, 49 (photo).
White Ash. CBH 20 11. Durham Road (Route 413, north of Wrightstown, Bucks County. Poor condition.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982, p. 53.
American Basswood. CBH 22 8. Montgomery Co.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982.
Northern Red Oak. CBH 20 1. Erie Co.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Wood 1682-1982.
Columbus Oak. White Oak. 327 Aquetong Road, at Squire Lane, Solebury Township, Bucks Co. CBH 19 6. Height ca. 50 feet, spread ca. 100 feet. This is a very handsome tree with wide-spreading branches.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982, p. 51 (photo).
White Oak. CBH 20 1. London Grove Village, West Marlboro Township, S. Chester Co.
ref: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982.
White Oak. Pennsylvanias largest white oak is said to be located on the Hanover Shoe Farms property, near the Adams-Hanover County line.
ref.: Internet, January 2004.
Longfellow Pine. Eastern white pine. CBH 11 1.5, ht. 180.9 (measured by drop line, Blozan & Busch, 4/20/2002). This is the tallest tree in the northeast, and the third tallest in the eastern United States. Longfellow Trail, Forest Cathedral Natural Area, Cook Forest State Park, Clarion Co.
Mercersburg Sycamore. CBH 31.1, ht. 102, spread 122. State champion 1993. Private property. Mercersburg, Franklin Co.
ref.: Internet. State list, Big Trees of Pennsylvania, 1993.
Rodman Buttonwood. American sycamore. CBH 29 4. 958 Flushing Road, Cornwells Heights, Bucks Co. Remnant of a double tree; the larger trunk has torn away. Hollow.
ref.: Wertz, Halfred W., and M. Joy Callender,
editors, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982,
pp. 43 - 45 (photo).
Bolton Farm Sycamore. CBH 23 7. 85 Holly Drive, Holly Hill Section, Levittown, Bristol Township, Bucks Co. Now reduced to a tall stump with some sprouts.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982, pp. 45, 46 (photo).
Lafayette Sycamore. Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chadds Ford, Delaware Co. Old tree on Revolutionary War battlefield. CBH 18 4, ht. 111, spr. ca. 120.
ref.: Book of the Broadleaf Trees, by Frank H. Lamb, 1939. p. 249.
ref.: Internet.
Tuliptree. CBH 20 6. South of Liverpool, Perry Co.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Wood 1682-1982.
NATIONAL CHAMPION GIANTS OF
PENNSYLVANIA
White Ash. National champion 1954-1966: CBH 22 3, ht. 80, spr. 82. CBH 20 7 (Wertz & Callender, 1981). Haverford State Hospital, Glenn Mills, Delaware Co.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982.
American Basswood. National champion 1993-2002: CBH 24 4, ht. 78, spr. 100. Montgomery Co.
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, February 1998 (photo).
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, April 2004 (photo).
Comments: This low-branched specimen appears to be a coppice with no real trunk, and not a valid champion.
Chinquapin Oak. National co-champion 1989-1990: CBH 20 5, ht. 84, spr. 120. CBH 19 10 (Wertz & Callender, 1981). Old State Road, Berks Co.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982.
Swamp White Oak. National champion 1969-1971: CBH 21 6, ht. 65, spr. 80. Luzerne County.
Carmichael Ash. White ash. Maryland champion 1956 (CBH 18 2, ht. 98, spr. 112), 1973 (CBH 193, ht. 116, spr. 93). 2002 Md. extinct list (CBH 20 0, ht. 116, spr. 93). Wye Institute, Carmichael, Queen Annes Co. Owner (1956) Leon Andrus, Cheston-on-Wye.
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 14 (photo).
ref.: Trees that Are Maryland Champions, The Sun Magazine, Baltimore 8/18/1956. p.10 (photo).
ref.: Yingling, Earl L., 1973. The Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 4 (photo).
Comments: The Cheston-on-Wye estate was noteworthy for once having nine Maryland champion trees.
American Chestnut. A huge chestnut cut in 1895 by a tenant on the farm of D. H. Zile was eleven feet in diameter. The trunk and larger limbs were dynamited, and the tree yielded fifteen cords of firewood. It was said to be the biggest tree in the county, if not the state. Located near Taylorsville, a community on South River, Anne Arundel County.
ref.: One Hundred Years Ago. The Baltimore Sun, 5/21/1995, quoting from an article in the American Sentinel of 5/18/1895. (per Internet)
Buckeystown Elm.
American elm. 1990 Md.
list. Md. champion 1999 (CBH 20 0,
ht. 91, spr. 102). 2002 extinct list (CBH 20 0, ht. 91, spr. 102). Owner: Bill Starkey, Buckeystown, Frederick
Co.
Chestertown Elm. American elm. Maryland champion 1990 (CBH 20 0, ht. 129, spr. 94). Washington College, Chestertown, Kent Co.
ref.: Prenger and Brooks (editors). The Big Tree Champions of Maryland 1990. p. 44 (photo).
Comments: The height seems exaggerated, probably by false-top triangulation. Succeeded by a smaller tree by 1999, presumed dead.
Myrtle Grove Black Oak. State champion 1956: CBH 21 2, ht. 72, spr. 95, pts. 349.8. Owner (1956) Robert Goldsborough Henry, Myrtle Grove, Easton, Talbot Co.
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 30 (photo).
Comments: This was a well-shaped tree. It was replaced in 1973 by a slightly smaller (344 pts.) Montgomery County tree, suggesting the Myrtle Grove tree had died.
Myrtle Grove Chestnut Oak. Md. champion 1933 (CBH 19 2, ht. 93, spr 138), 1937 (CBH 19 10, ht. 98, spr. 136). National champion 1956-1966 (CBH 22 3, ht. 95, spr. 108, pts. 389). Owner (1933) W. Laird Henry; (1937-1966) Robert G. Henry, Myrtle Grove, Easton.
Comments: A smaller New York tree (362 pts.) was national champion in 1978, suggesting the Myrtle Grove tree had died.
Queenstown Chinquapin Oak. 2002 Md. extinct list: CBH 20 0, ht. 118, spr. 106. Owner: F. Jelke III, Queenstown, Queen Annes Co.
Tuckahoe Oak.
Overcup oak. National
co-champion 1973-1982: CBH 21 5, ht. 116, spr. 118. Md. champion 1983 (CBH 22 7, ht. 115,
spr. 118), 1990 (CBH 22 9, ht. 130, spr. 118). Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne, Caroline Co. Tree now dead.
ref.: American Forests, National Register of Big Trees, 1978, p. 35 (photo).
Comments: This tree had a clear massive trunk for nearly thirty feet. Its status caused the state to build a smaller pond than first proposed. The tree stood in an often-flooded swamp above the pond. It was first listed as the national champion swamp white oak, until its identification was corrected. A wooden overlook was provided for a close view of the tree.
Pikesville Red Oak. Northern red oak. Md. champion 1973 & 1983 (CBH 22 2, ht. 121, spr. 110). 2002 Md. extinct list (same dimensions). Owner (1973-1983): Mrs. Selma Caplin, 6807 Cross Country Blvd., Pikesville, Baltimore Co.
Wye Oak White oak. National champion 1940-2002. Wye Oak State Park, Maryland Route 662, Wye Mills, Talbot County. Measurement 1933, 1937, 1956: CBH 27 8, ht. 95, spr. 165. 1973: CBH 32 2, ht.108, spr 160. 1990: CBH 31 2 ht. 79, spr. 102. 2002: CBH 31 10, ht. 96, spr. 119. The base was hollow, and the tree had an unusually great basal flare. The tree lost four immense limbs. The largest, six feet in diameter, fell in 1956. The spread of 165 feet (before 1956) was probably a record for the species. Although some live oaks have had a greater maximum spread, their branches often rest on the ground. The Wye Oak was felled by a windstorm on 6/6/2002.
ref.: American Forests, September 1955, p.33 (photo).
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 48 (text/photo).
ref.: Randall, Charles Edgar and Henry Clepper, 1976. Famous and Historic Trees. The American Forestry Association, pp. 82 (photo), 83.
ref.: Preston, Dickson J., 1972. Wye Oak, the History of a Great Tree. Cambridge, Md. 135 pp.
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, October 1990 (photo).
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, April 1997 (photo).
Comments: Although some complained that the flaring base gave the tree an unusual advantage, the circumference at 7.5 feet (immediately below the site of the largest limb) was a significant 22 3.5 (Rucker, 11/27/1969). Heights of 95, 102, 108, etc. were exaggerated (false-top triangulation). The height was actually 87 feet (Rucker & Yingling, dropline 4/5/1989). The reputed age of 440 years was probably exaggerated. The tree showed a rapid increase in CBH over the years, although it was due, in part, to the incorporation of a knee into the trunk mass.
St. Pauls White Oak. Marylands second-largest white oak. CBH (1948) 24 6, ht. (1932) 86, spr. (1948) 127. St. Pauls Episcopal Church Cemetery, Fairlee, Kent County. This tree was blown down during hurricane Hazel, in October 1954.
ref.: Peattie, Donald Culross 1950. A Natural History of Trees, p. 201.
ref.: Preston, Dickson J., 1972. Wye Oak; The History of a Great Tree, pp. 89-91 (text & 1915 photo).
Richards Oak. White oak. Second-largest Maryland white oak 1954-1986. Beside U.S. Route 1, near Rising Sun, Cecil Co. Saved by application of first roadside tree law. CBH (1981) 24 2, ht. (1965) 85, spr. (1965) 115. Trunk hollow. Died. Cut down ca. Feb. 1986.
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. pp. 51, 52 (photo).
ref.: Randall, Charles Edgar and Henry Clepper, 1976. Famous and Historic Trees. The American Forestry Association, p. 71.
ref.: Preston, Dickson J., 1972. Wye Oak; The History of a Great Tree, pp. 88-89 (text & photograph)
ref.: Yingling, Earl L., 1973. The Big Tree Champions of Maryland. pp. 44 (photo), 45.
North Glen Avenue Oak. Third largest Maryland white oak, 1954-1974. Measurement (1949) Circ. (at 5 ft.) 21 9, ht. 88, spr. 127. 303 North Glen Avenue, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County. Struck by lightning 1948, decayed, fell 9/3/1974. This tree had a single massive trunk above a typical base. The trunk divided into numerous large limbs perhaps fifteen feet up. The low hollow stump was preserved for some years. Site now occupied by a new house.
ref.: Old Landmark Needs a Doctor, The Evening Capital, Annapolis, 11/2/1949 (article & photo).
ref.: Ancient Tree Heralds a New Spring, The Evening Capital, Annapolis, 4/8/1958 article & photo
.
ref.: City White Oak in Hall of Fame. The Evening Capital, Annapolis, 8/20/1974, pp. 1 (photo), 10.
ref.: Fall of an Old Oak Tree. The Evening Capital, Annapolis, 9/3/1974, pp. 1 (photo), 10.
ref: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 54 (photo of commemorative marker and piece of trunk).
ref.: Needed: Proper Marker. The Evening Capital, Editorial, Annapolis, 6/4/1964.
ref.: Mellin, John A. Three Mile Oak depredations. The Capital, Annapolis, 11/29/1984.
ref.: AACC Gets Remains of Historical Tree. The Capital, Annapolis, 10/12/1988.
ref.: Three Mile Oak Gets Uprooted to New Home. The Capital, Annapolis, 10/16/1988.
Cedar Park Oak. Southern red oak. Md. champion 1933 & 1937 (as a black oak CBH 21 10, ht. 98, spr. 123), 1956 (CBH 24 4, ht. 120, spr. 117), 1973 (CBH 27 3, ht. 128, spr. 149), 1983 (CBH 28 0, ht. 135, spr. 141), 1990 (CBH 27 7, ht. 104, spr. 135). National champion 1951-1996 (1966 CBH 24 1) Later CBH 27 7, ht. 104, spr. 135. Located at Cedar Park, a historic estate on Cumberstone Road, Harwood, Anne Arundel County. Owner (1973): Eveleth Bridgman (now deceased). This tree had a handsome single trunk that although outwardly sound, split and collapsed 9/16/1998. It was not hollow.
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 35 (photo).
ref.: Gardenews, October 1956, p. 4 (photo).
ref.: American Forests, May 1966, p. 27 (photo as cherrybark oak).
ref.: Yingling, Earl L., 1973. The Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 22 (photo).
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, December 1994 (photo).
ref.: Davey/American Forests calendar, July 1997 (photo).
ref.: American Forests, Spring 1998, p. 60 (photo).
ref.: Giant Harwood Oak Succumbs to Age. The Capital, Annapolis 9/17/1998.
Comments: This was a very fast growing specimen. The 1990 CBH was highly inaccurate, and did not reflect the actual growth rate. A careful measurement by Rucker on 5/18/1991 showed a CBH of exactly 30 0. The tree (near Cumberstone) was also listed as the national champion cherrybark oak from 1954 to 1966 (CBH 24 1, ht. 110, spr. 80). Despite a lesser spread measurement, the CBH and photograph match the CBH and 1956 photographic details of the champion southern red oak.
Franklins Oak. Southern red oak. 1933 & 1937 Maryland champion (CBH 23 5, ht. 105, spr. 129). Owner (1933, 1937): J. Harris Franklin, Sudley, Anne Arundel Co. This tree is presumed dead.
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland, p. 6.
Comments: It appears Franklins tree was misidentified as a black oak in Marylands first big tree competition of 1925, when it had a CBH of 23 2.
Myrtle Grove Basket Oak. Swamp chestnut oak. 1956 National champion (CBH 21 3, ht. 97, spr. 117). 1956 Md. champion (CBH 21 10, ht. 72, spr. 95). 1973 Md. champion & 1974-1982 national champion: CBH 22 7, ht. 122, spr. 123. Owner (1956) Robert Goldsborough Henry, Myrtle Grove. Owner (1973) John F. Donoho, Myrtle Grove, Easton, Talbot Co.
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 29 (photo).
ref.: American Forests, National Register of Big Trees, 1978, pp. 34-35 (photo).
ref.: Storm Splits Champion Oak, The Evening Sun, Baltimore, 10/27/1982.
Comments: This was a magnificent tree with a full trunk. It was reported to have been split in two by a fierce storm in October 1982.
Bowlingly Willow Oak. National champion 1954-1966: CBH 21 2, ht. 118, spr. 106. National co-champion 1972-1982: CBH 23 6, ht. 125, spr. 106. Maryland champion 1956, 1973, 1983 (CBH 25 3, ht. 135, spr. 103). Md. 2002 extinct list: CBH 25 3, ht. 135 spr. 103. Owner (1956, 1973) W. Randolph Burgess, Bowlingly Estates, Queenstown. Owner (2002): National Trust for Historic Preservation, Queenstown, Queen Annes Co.
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 37 (photo).
ref.: National Champion Trees, The Sun Magazine, Baltimore, 7/1/1973. p. 9 (photo).
Comments: The photograph in the 1956 publication shows some low limbs, but the 1973 photo does not. The earlier photo may have been taken by Besley in the 1920s, suggesting that many low limbs were lost over the years, leaving a tree with a high crown by 1973.
Eastern White Pine. National champion April 1941. Maryland champion 1933, 1937. CBH 11 6, ht. 159, spr. 40. Located near Merrill, in the Savage River Valley of Garrett County. Owner 1933, 1937: John Merrill. Replaced by a smaller tree in Howard County in 1956, the Merrill tree is presumed dead.
ref.: Besley, Fred W. 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland, p. 5.
ref.: American Forests Jan./Feb. 1990. National Register of Big Trees, p.4.
Comments: This tree is significant for long being the tallest tree recorded in Maryland. It was recently exceeded by two tuliptrees accurately measured by laser at Belt Woods, in Prince Georges County, the taller tree being 159.9 in height.
Tulip Hill Poplar. Tuliptree. Tulip Hill, a renowned five-part Georgian mansion was built at Poplar Knowle in the late 1700s. The 1983 Maryland champion is thought to have dated from the original grove. CBH 23 2, ht. 155, spr. 82, pts. 454. It was replaced by a smaller tree, so is presumed dead. Owner: Lewis R. Andrews (deceased 1990, age 98), Tulip Hill, Muddy Creek Road, Harwood, Anne Arundel County.
Comments: Depending on the topography and competition, the 155 height seems possible, but not probable.
Mount Pleasant Poplar. Tuliptree. Girth 20, ht. 98, spr. 87. Hollow, taken down ca. February 2003. Mount Pleasant Farm, east of Route 99, near Woodstock Road, Woodstock, Howard County. 1976 state-listed bicentennial tree.
ref.: The Sun, Baltimore, 1/12/2003, pp. 1B (photo), 13B.
Liberty Tree. Tuliptree. Marylands most historic tree. Last of the Liberty Trees from the Revolutionary era. Md. champion 1933, 1937, 1956. National champion/co-champion 1949-1966: CBH 26 6, ht. 83, spr. 98. St. Johns College Campus, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County. Max. CBH 26 11.0 (Rucker, 1988, 1999); max. ht. 96 (1999); max. spread 117 (1937). Hollow, base filled with 55 tons of concrete ca. 1907. Slightly damaged by hurricane Floyd Sept. 1999, it was cut down Oct. 1999, thereby avoiding any liability for those involved.
ref.: Lamb, Frank H., 1939. Book of the Broadleaf Trees. p. 225 (photo).
ref: American Forests, August 1955, p. 39 (photo).
ref.: Besley, Fred W., 1956. Big Tree Champions of Maryland. pp. 50 (photo), 51.
ref.: The Liberty Tree. Pamphlet, St. Johns College.
ref.: Yingling, Earl L., 1973. The Big Tree Champions of Maryland. pp. 42 (photo), 43.
ref: Randall, Charles Edgar and Henry Clepper, 1976. Famous and Historic Trees. The American Forestry Association, pp. 44 (photo), 46.
Pettibone Walnut. Black walnut. Tree cut 1906. It was cut slightly below grade, and took eleven days to fell, sawing through wood, earth and oyster shells. The butt of the log was trimmed down to nine feet in diameter. It was said to be the biggest tree ever seen in Baltimore, and attracted some crowds. The trunk was sold to the Stieff Piano Company, which produced a special series of instruments with brochures featuring the tree. Owner: John E. Pettibone, Pleasant Plains Farm, mouth of Whitehall Creek, Anne Arundel County.
ref.: McCauley, Mrs. Ida E.. I Remember A Tree It Took Eleven Days to Fell. Baltimore Sun Magazine, 9/23/1956. Article and photograph.
Walnut Spring Tree. Black walnut. A local landmark, located at the Walnut Spring Hotel, southeast corner of Patapsco Avenue and South Hanover Street, Brooklyn, Anne Arundel County. The trunk is nearly 8 feet in diameter and more than 25 feet in circumference. The tree stood on a bluff overlooking the Patapsco River. It was sold to a furniture manufacturer, and was taken down in 1916.
ref.: Evening Capital, Annapolis, 5/1/1916. Article reprinted in Anne Arundel County History Notes, a quarterly of the Ann Arundell County Historical Society, October 2001, p. 10.
WHITE OAK STATE TREE OF MARYLAND
Wilmer Stone Oak. White oak. Maryland champion, 2002, succeeding the Wye Oak. Named for former owner, Wilmer Theodore Stone, educator and graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the Biltmore School of Forestry. Measurement by state 2002: CBH 20 1, ht. 127, spr. 96, pts. 392.0. CBH 2002 by Fedor & Rucker: 20 9.5. County recreation park, Jones Station Road, Arnold, Anne Arundel County.
ref.: Towering Oak The Evening Capital, Annapolis, 7/26/1973. (photo)
ref.: Arnold Tree May Succeed Wye Oak. The Capital, Annapolis 6/20/2002. article & photo.
ref.: How Big is Arnold Tree? The Capital, Annapolis, 7/14/2002. article & photo.
Comments: This massive heavy-limbed tree stands in a very fertile woodland swale. A large section was blown out about 1988, reducing the spread of the tree.
Kent County Oak. White oak. Md. co-champion, 2002. CBH 20 3, ht. 113, spr. 133, pts. 389.25. Owner: Jean Spears & Bill Kropp, Kent Co.
Adams Oak. White oak. Md. co-champion, 2002. CBH 22 2, ht. 102, spr. 83, pts. 388.75. Owner: Katherine Aldrich Adams, Honeybee Hollow Farm, near Norrisville, Harford Co.
ref.: Wye Oak Successor Declared. The Capital, Annapolis, 6/9/2002.
Comments: Tree
hollow, stands near an old farmhouse.
Chevy Chase Oak. White oak. Apr. 2001 Montgomery Co. list: CBH 20 7, ht. 103, spr. 58, pts. 364.5. Chevy Chase, Montgomery Co., Md. Owner: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Marsh.
ref.: Internet. The Champion and Potential Champion Trees of Montgomery County, Maryland.
Linden Oak. White oak. Diameter over six feet in width at waist level. Circumference at grade just under 38 feet. Height 95, spread said to be 130-135. Maryland bicentennial tree for Montgomery Co., 1976. There is a plaque near the tree. Located off Rockville Pike at Beach Drive (Grosvenor Lane), Rock Creek Stream Valley, Montgomery County.
ref.: Maryland Arborist Association, 1983. Press release re. pruning of tree on Arbor Day.
ref.: Internet (as Linder Oak).
Comments: Points roughly 360. Claimed to be Marylands fourth largest white oak.
Barnesville Oak. White oak. CBH 20 7, ht. 88, spr. 93, pts. 358.0. Barnesville, Montgomery Co. Owner: Victor & Linda Pope.
ref.: Internet. Champion and Potential Champion Trees of Montgomery County, Maryland.
Hartig Oak.
White oak. 1990 Md. list. CBH 20 8, ht. 74, spr. 112, pts. 350.0. Owner 1966-1990: Franz J. Hartig, 524 Wilton
Avenue, Ellicott City, Howard Co.
ref.: Younger, but Prettier Perhaps Than the Wye Oak, The Sun Magazine, Baltimore 8/18/1968, pp. 32-33 (article and photos).
Comments: This is a very fine fully branched tree with a short clear trunk and sturdy structure. It stands on a large lawn in a residential area.
Holly Hall Oak. White oak. Wildmans 1933 list. 1990 Md. list: CBH 21 1, ht. 72 spr. 92, pts. 348.0. Formerly on Holly Hall Farm. Owner (1990): Big Elk Mall, Elkton, Cecil Co.
ref.: Randall, Charles Edgar and Henry Clepper, 1976. Famous and Historic Trees. The American Forestry Association, pp. 81 (sketch), 82.
ref.: Wertz and Callender, editors, 1981. Penns Woods 1682-1982, p.14 (photo).
Boudrie Oak. White oak. 1990 Md. list. CBH 21, ht. 71, spr. 84, pts 344.0. Owner (1990): K. B. Boudrie, Easton, Talbot Co.
St. Pauls Basket Oak. Swamp chestnut oak. Md. champion 1933 (CBH 20 0, ht. 95, spr. 100), 1983 (CBH 22 2, ht. 116, spr. 108), 1990 (CBH 22 3, ht. 120, spr. 110), 2002 (CBH 23 7, ht. 120, spr. 90, pts. 425.5). Tree in churchyard, St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Chestertown, Kent Co. State bicentennial tree for Kent County, 1976.
ref.: Prenger and Brooks (editors). The Big Tree Champions of Maryland 1990. p.86 (photo).
ref.: Internet webpage for St. Pauls.
Comments: Although a basket oak at St. Pauls appears on the Md. 2002 extinct list (CBH 21 3, ht 117, spr 97) it is assumed that all records of Quercus michauxii at St. Pauls are the same specimen, which is extant, and the last of the big oaks (basket and white) at the site. With 426 points (2002), this tree easily surpasses the discredited 2002 national champion from Alabama, and the earlier champions from Missouri (417 points) and North Carolina (416 points).
Deckman Black Oak. Md. champion 1999 (CBH 20 0, ht. 114, spr. 94, pts. 377.5). Owner (1999) James Deckman, Calvert Co.
Comments: This tree is assumed to be living. It was replaced on the 2002 list by a much smaller Harford County tree (308 pts.) that was mistakenly entered as having 389 points.
Queenstown Chestnut Oak. State champion 1983 (CBH 20 5, ht. 117, spr. 109), 1990-1999
(CBH 20 9, ht. 90, spr. 115, pts. 367.8).
Owner (1983-1999): Marion R. Leaverton, Queenstown, Queen Annes Co.
ref.: Prenger and Brooks (editors). The Big Tree Champions of Maryland 1990. p. 97 (photo).
Comments: This is a very handsome open-grown tree with a massive trunk.
Joyce Lane Chestnut Oak. 2002 Md. champion: CBH 22 9, ht. 104, spr. 99, pts. 406.8 (addition error; actually 401.8). Owner: Jeanine Ove, 278 West Joyce Lane, Arnold, Anne Arundel Co.
Comments: This tree is on a steep north-facing wooded slope. It is a double-trunked coppice forking about six feet up. CBH is 22' 7.5" (1/24/04). The separate trunks measure 14' 7" and 10' 2". The 104' height was based on the taped distance from the trunk to the furthermost estimated impact area, using no sighting devices. The smaller trunk is the taller, at 99 feet (laser, 1/24/04). Spread is (1/24/04) 101.8 x 95.0, average 98.4. Revised points 396.
Chase Creek Red Oak. Northern red oak. State champion 2002: CBH 22 0, ht. 136, spr. 98, pts. 424.5. Owner: The Iliff family, West Joyce Lane, Arnold, Anne Arundel Co.
Comments: This forest tree is located on a very rich steep slope. It is a high-stump coppice with three leads. Owing to the steep terrain, the elevation of the lowest fork is above breast height, as measured above the central basal contour.
Hutchins Spanish Oak. Southern red oak. State champion 2002. Measurements (1990 list) CBH 22 4, ht. 88, spr. 112. Owner: Mrs. Ailene W. Hutchins, Prince Frederick, Calvert Co.
Myers Willow Oak.
State champion 1990, 1999-2002 (23 6, ht. 111, spr. 90). Owner: William Myers, Oxford, Talbot Co.
Myers Second Oak. Willow oak. 1990 Md. list. CBH 22 11, ht. 88, spr. 85. Owner: William Myers, Oxford, Talbot Co.
Myrtle Grove Willow Oak. Willow oak. State champion 1937 (CBH 21 5, ht. 93, spr. 107). Myrtle Grove, Easton, Talbot Co. This tree was succeeded by a larger specimen at Bowlingly. It is unknown if the Myrtle Grove tree still exists.
Hunter Oak. Willow oak. 1990 Md. list (CBH 20 6, ht. 121, spr. 109), 2001 list (CBH 21 1, ht. 125, spr. 115, pts.). Owner: Thomas Hunter, Easton, Talbot Co.
Edwards Oak. Willow oak. 1990 Md. list. CBH 20 0, ht. 78, spr. 85. Owner: Horace Edwards, Greensboro, Caroline Co.
Guy Oak. Willow oak. 1990 Md. list. CBH 20 0, ht. 115, spr. 89. Owner: William Guy, Clements, St. Marys Co.
GREAT MARYLAND TULIPTREES
Lusby Poplar. Tuliptree. State champion 1999-2002: CBH 28 8, ht. 105, spr. 79, pts. 468.75. Owner: Dr. Thomas F. Lusby, Calvert Co.
Comments: The structure of this unusually large tree is unknown; it is suspected to be multiple-trunked.
Gunpowder Falls Poplar. Tuliptree. State champion 1973: CBH 25 2, ht. 136, spr. 105, pts. 437.3. 1990: CBH 25 0, ht. 116, spr.85. Gunpowder Falls State Park, Baldwin, Baltimore Co.
Comments: All dimensions were exaggerated in 1973, and would have outpointed North Carolinas Wasilik Poplar, the national champion, but Virginias Bedford Poplar surpassed both trees. The Gunpowder tree was listed as the 1990 Maryland champion, due to an alteration of the recorded actual CBH of the Liberty Tree.
ref.: Yingling, Earl L., 1973. The Big Tree Champions of Maryland. p. 29 (photo).
Howat Poplar. Tuliptree. 1990 Md. list: CBH 24 6, ht. 115, spr. 98, pts. 433.5 (1990). Owner: Y. Kirkpatrick Howat (deceased 2003), Contee Farms, Edgewater, Anne Arundel Co.
Comments: This tree is said to be hollow.
Brookeville Poplar. April 2001 list for Montgomery Co.: CBH 24 5, ht. 110, spr. 82. Brookeville, south portion of Manor Oaks subdivision. Owner: Classic Communities: Manor Oaks Subdivision.
ref.: Internet. Champion and Potential Champion Trees of Montgomery County, Maryland.
Bethesda Poplar. 1990 & 2001 Md. lists (CBH 23 6, ht. 126, spr. 80, pts. 428.0). Owner: Robert Jones, Bethesda, Montgom