This big leaf magnolia is just a few points shy from the largest in the country! Although this tree did endure some damage in Hurricane Hugo, it survived and is still standing strong!

Known locally as the "Denny's Tree," this bur oak was protected during the construction of a Denny's in 1995 due to its Treasure Tree designation. In 2020, this tree gained State Champion Status, meaning it's the largest of its species in the entire state. 

When the Duke Mansion was built in 1919, James “Buck” Duke intentionally saved this yellow poplar near the entrance. In the decades since, the tree has survived hurricanes and wood decay. It’s our biggest existing Treasure Tree at 387 points.

This hornbeam was once the State Champion, or the largest American Hornbeam in all of North Carolina. However, it was removed around 2005. Hornbeams rarely exceed 30 feet in height, but this one was an exception!

Briefly recognized as the largest willow oak in the nation, this tree was removed after a large limb fell. Landowners grew concerned the tree would endanger parts of their property and cut down the remainder of the tree. 

Once a state champion, this Osage Orange was saved when the Buckleigh neighborhood was built in the early 2000s. But then on July 4, 2007, an errant firework struck the tree and it burned down. Only a charred stump remains.

Original photos of this willow oak show a metal sap-collecting bucket nailed into the tree. Now, the bucket is gone, but a piece of wood where the bucket once was can still be seen. This tree was outgrown by a post oak found in 2022. 

This tree has been dated over 220 years old by historical evidence. Although it is insanely large (92 feet tall and 127 inches in circumference!), it has been outgrown by our current Treasure Tree.

This tree sits in McAlpine Creek Park, about 700 feet past the start of an old trail. It was nominated for State Champion in 1994, but lost by just three points.