Florida State Champion Trees
Every wonder what the largest tree in Florida is or the largest tree of a certain species. The Florida Forest Service maintains a list of trees that have been registered as the largest of their species in Florida and in some cases, the second largest. There’s even a list of native trees that don’t have State Champions. You never know, you may have a State Champion tree in your backyard! For information on nominating a tree go to Nominate.
Here’s some background on the program taken from the State website:
The Champion Tree Program was created by the American Forests organization in 1940, to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the United States. American Forests publishes their National Register of Big Trees every two years. The 2012 edition of the Register includes 111 Florida species, many of which are only found in the tropical region of the state. Florida now has the most national champions of any state. The largest National Champion tree in Florida is a native Shortleaf Fig, or Wild Banyan, located in Monroe County. This tree measures 444 inches in circumference, stands 48 feet tall, and carries a crown spread of 76 feet.
Florida began keeping a state register, the Florida Champion Tree Register, in 1975 to recognize the largest tree of each species within this state. It now contains hundreds of trees, including the national champions. All native and non-invasive naturalized tree species are eligible for nomination.
Although not a national champion, The Senator was the largest native tree of any kind in Florida until its demise in January, 2012. This gigantic baldcypress overlooked Big Tree Park in Seminole County from a height of 118 feet. It measured 425 inches in circumference, and spread its crown over an average of 57 feet.
Search for a champion:
Note: Where the ownership type for a tree is listed as private, please obtain permission from the property owner, in advance, before visiting the location.
Can't find a particular species?
- ·Listed invasive exotics are ineligible.
- ·Non-native trees not recognized by American Forests can be certified as state champions.
A number of native Florida tree species currently do not have champions. We especially encourage people to nominate trees from this species list.
Get out and enjoy Florida’s natural resources and give special attention to the trees in honor of National Arbor Day that’s coming up on Friday, April 26.
