The Webster Sycamore
(alternatively known as the Webster Springs Sycamore and the Big Sycamore Tree) was an American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Long recognized for its size, the Webster Sycamore was the largest living American sycamore tree in West Virginia until its felling in 2010. The tree stood approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) east of Webster Springs in Webster County, in a moist flood plain along the banks of the Back Fork Elk River, a tributary stream of the Elk River.
The Webster Sycamore reached a tree height measurement of 112 feet (34 m), a tree crown measurement of 90 feet (27 m), and a circumference of 25.75 feet (7.85 m) at breast height. In 1955, the American Forests Association declared the tree the largest of its species in the United States. It only held the title for three weeks, before the association identified a larger American sycamore in Maryland. Despite losing its national title, the sycamore remained the largest American sycamore in West Virginia. Following a 1963 survey of large trees in West Virginia, the Webster Sycamore was named the second-largest tree after a white oak (Quercus alba) in Randolph County.
American Sycamore Tree, Platanus, occidentalis located in Valley Forge NP PA it is the fifth largest Sycamore in the state. The tree, located off Yellow Springs Road, first sited by a friend.
Few trees have such a distinguishing character as Platanus occidentalis, the American sycamore tree. Even to the layperson, these grand trees clearly stand out from the rest. The patchwork bark – brown, orange, green and of course, white – make these trees jump out, especially in the winter landscape. The white-tipped branches can be seen from miles away, sharply contrasting the sky and the dull tones of other trees. The bark character and imposing form of these titans make them among the most visually impressive trees anywhere.
Champion Trees of Pennsylvania
2 Comments
Hi Lou. I love trees and BIG trees in particular. It’s wonderful that you are recording this magnificent life-form. I grew up in Mt. Laurel, living next to the second largest/oldest sassafras tree recorded in the US. as well as a white oak which was pre-revolutionary. I also visited a virgin forest in W. Virginia as a teenager. I felt a great sense of reverence, and deep quietude there in the presence of those immense magnificent beings. Have you visited the bristlecone pines in the mountains in California? If not, consider going. They are amazing to see and photograph.
Thank you for the nice comments.
I have not visited those pines and the only big ones I saw in vs was the amazing Red Woods