Common Name: southern red oak
Scientific Name: Quercus falcata
Category: Old tree
Comments: The southern red oak in question is located at Hull Springs Farm in Westmoreland County, on property given to Longwood University by the owner, Mary Farley Ames Lee, in her will. During her lifetime, classes were held on the property, particularly featuring field work in botany and ornithology. In addition, Longwood students conducted archeological explorations on the property. The University maintains Hull Springs Farm as a research center and meeting facility. In 1995, when Mrs. Lee and her husband, Al Lee, were still alive, the magnificent Southern Red Oak standing in front of their home was aged by Thelma Dalmas, then a member of the science faculty at Longwood. A core sample was taken with a tree borer, and rings in the sample were carefully counted under a dissecting microscope. It was determined that the tree was at least 350 years old, and most probably over 400. Compression of the rings toward the center of the sample made an absolutely accurate count impossible. The
Best time to photograph: Spring or Fall, early morning or late afternoon.
Nominator: Dr. Carolyn Wells
This tree is not on public or publicly accessible property. The owner's name, address, and the exact location of the tree are not displayed to protect the privacy of these individuals. If you are the owner and wish to make this information public, please let us know.
County/City: Westmoreland