A champion tree is the largest tree of a species. These trees are measured using the American Forests points (AF points) which is calculated based on the trunk circumference, the height, and the average crown spread to give a point value. The Arboretum has many champion trees which were identified by Robert Van Pelt in his 2003 book, “Champion Trees of Washington State”. The Arboretum is currently evaluating and re-measuring the trees from this book.
1) Malus fusca Western Crabapple
Native to the west coast of North America from Alaska south into California. Found along waterways, streams, estuaries, moist woods and forest clearings.
Although quite tart, the fruit was eaten by coastal indigenous tribes either raw or after a storage period, after which they become softer and somewhat sweeter.
This tree can be found on the trail from the Graham Visitors Center to the Witt Winter Garden.
Ryan Garrison
Malus fusca
2) Nothofagus antarctica Antarctic Beech
Native to the temperate rain forest of coastal southern Chile and Argentina.
This species has been planted on the northern Pacific Coast of the United States and in Great Britain where it thrives.
A large stem broke out about 10 years ago and its status as a champion tree will be re-evaluated.
This tree can be found near the canoe landing on the peninsula north of Foster Island Drive.
Ryan Garrison
Nothofagus antarctica
3) Pseudotsuga macrocarpa Bigcone Douglas Fir
This tree is native to the mountains of southern California.
As indicated by its common name, it has by far the largest cones in the genus Pseudotsuga.
This tree is located on the Upper Trail, just south of the Pacific Connections New Zealand Forest Garden.
Ryan Garrison
Pseudotsuga macrocarpa
4) Sorbus aria Whitebeam
A columnar tree native to Europe and North Africa with clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by speckled red berries in autumn. The undersides of the leaves are bright and almost white, from which it gets its common name.
The wood is hard and strong and was used for specialty items before the widespread use of iron, but is not abundant enough to be economically significant in current times.
This tree can be found in the B.O. Mulligan Sorbus Collection, just east of the Fiddleheads Forest School classroom.
