Champion trees are titled the largest of their kind. You can see over 25 different Virginia Champion Trees throughout the arboretum, designated by a blue award ribbon. To locate our champion trees you can use our virtual database map. These old trees are measured for their height, girth, and crown spread. With their measured points combined trees compete with other trees in the state and nation for the top three standing champions of that specific species. Here are a few you can find on grounds at the State Arboretum.
Asian Spindle Tree
Euonymus sachalinensis, planted in 1934, has a circumference of 52inches, 24 feet tall and a magnificant crown spread of 42 feet. Classic example of how not all champions are extremely tall.
Mountain Silverbell
Halesia tetreptera var. monticola, we have not one but two state champion Mountian Silverbells at the arboretum. They bloom their flower 'bells' in spring as the redbuds fade and create a snowy look on the ground.
European Chestnut
Castanea sativa, with a whapping 196 inch circumference. This champion chestnut is visible from Wilkin loop drive.
Franklin Tree
Franklinia alatamaha, extinct in the wild, this extra special tree is making a comeback in the landscape thanks to John and Willian Bartham who found it, in Georgia, in 1786.