Champion Trees at Duke Farms

Majestic Giants Showcasing Conservation & Legacy

Amur Cork

Circumference 228 inches, Height 75 feet, Crown average 106.5 inches. In its native East Asia, indigenous and traditional uses for the amur cork tree abound: depending on who you ask, it can dull pain, clear infections, treat chronic conditions, and even dye paper for Buddhist sutras to protect them from insect damage. Here in North America, amur corks can become invasive, outcompeting native trees but offering few resources to our wildlife. So far, our champ is playing nicely with others, and we can continue to marvel at its spreading, serpentine form with no worry for its native neighbors.

Ginkgo

Circumference 184 inches, Height 100 feet, Crown average 81 inches. The last remaining survivors of an ancient lineage of trees, ginkgos today bear a nearly identical resemblance to their fossilized ancestors as far back as 270 million years ago. This means the first ginkgos shared the Earth with Jurassic dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Brachiosaurus—which aren't hard to imagine roaming around the Arboretum where our Champion ginkgo grows.

Bur Oak

Circumference 120 inches, height 86 feet, Crown average 91 inches. With its substantial acorns (the largest of any North American oak), bur oaks provide generously for the wild turkeys, wood ducks, deer, rabbits, black bears and other wildlife that have this favorite snack in common. Despite the feasting, leftover acorns—or at least their caps, spiky on the outside and velvety-soft within—are easy to find underneath our bur oak's spreading branches off Central Way.

Northern Red Oak

Circumference 212 inches, Height 105 feet, Crown average 118 inches. Can you tell the difference between a red oak and a white oak? Squirrels can. They'll eat white oak acorns as soon as they find them, but bury red oak acorns over winter to mellow out the bitter-tasting tannins within. Of course, they're not exactly clever enough to remember every single nut they entomb, and it's the forgotten few that will germinate in the spring. So, if not being bested by a squirrel is important to you, you might want to visit this champion of champions for a lesson in tree appreciation.

Dwarf Catalpa

Circumference 101 inches, Height 24 feet, Crown average 31 inches. Everything about catalpa trees is big: big leaves, big bean-like seeds, and—even though our champ is of the miniature variety—it's the biggest little catalpa in the state! And you don't get to grow that big or live that long without a little help from your friends: catalpa trees can sense when catalpa sphinx moth caterpillars are chomping on their leaves and "call for help" by temporarily producing nectar that's twice (or thrice!) as sugary as usual. The hungry, predatory insects that answer the call, usually ants or ladybugs, are happy to act as bodyguards in exchange. Sweet deal!

Duke Farms is home to several notable "Champion Trees," recognized as the largest specimens of their species in New Jersey. These trees not only enhance the area’s natural beauty but also serve as living testaments to the region's ecological heritage.

Duke Farms' commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its care for these Champion Trees. Efforts include regular health assessments and maintenance to ensure their longevity for future generations to appreciate.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful outdoor experience, visiting the Champion Trees at Duke Farms offers a unique glimpse into New Jersey's natural heritage. Guests can explore these remarkable trees through various walking and biking trails that traverse the campus.

Please help us protect these Champion Trees by not touching or climbing on them.