The Newest Champion Tree In Arkansas Is A Towering Giant

The Arkansas Champion Tree Program that keeps track of our towering giants has a new entry. Unlike our state’s Goliath-sized cypress, this newbie is a relatively young tree. Let’s look up and learn more about this record-holding tree.

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The program has more than 120 entries of the largest trees of each species, six of which are in Fayetteville. You can leaf through the full list right here. The program is the state's version of the American Forests’ National Register of Champion Trees, a list that began back in 1940!

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Wilson Park is the city's oldest park. It has a history well over a hundred years old! The park's signature castle, sculpted by Frank Williams, sits next to the newly-recognized giant.

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Although it's the smallest of the redwood species, the dawn redwoods are still towering. They were thought to be extinct for millions of years but the last remaining trees were discovered in China in 1944. A few years after the discovery, local foresters sent seeds around the world to be grown.

Our champion tree was originally planted in much later, in 1999. Even though it's only 20 years old, the tree has grown to be the largest in Arkansas. It's 54 feet tall currently but is expected to grow to more than 80 feet in height.

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The dawn redwood isn't the only champion tree in Wilson Park! In 2019 a persimmon tree earned a spot on the list as well. It's a neck-craning 69-foot tall giant that sits to the side of the walking trail.

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Drive by anytime to see the tree near the corner of Park and Prospect Avenue. For trip planning head to the park's website.

Have you seen the champion trees at Wilson Park? What about the others around the state? “Leaf” your thoughts with us in the comments below! You can also branch out by sharing your photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.