Virginia Big Tree Program

Cathy Benson nominated this Botetourt County Honeylocust, Gleditsia triacanthos, to the National Registry, challenging the current champion located in Maryland. While it appears the Maryland tree is still the National champ, Benson's tree is the the biggest in Virginia.

This champ has a circumference of 222 inches, a height of 107 feet, and an average crown spread of 100 feet - giving a final score of 354 points!

Bob Boeren at the Virginia Department of Forestry measured this honeylocust, which is located at the United Methodist Church, in Fincastle. The tree may have been planted in 1804, when the church was first built out of logs. In 1840, the church was rebuilt out of brick.

The tree was featured in the Virginia section of the Roanoke Times on both November 09 and 20, 2002. We are currently seeking permission to post those articles.

Maps to this tree are available:

• Map to Fincastle: Small (97KB) | Large (170KB)
• Specific Location Map: Small (16KB) | Large (42KB)

 
Learn more about Gleditsia triacanthos

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