Ohio Giants are the state’s largest and most impressive trees, officially recognized through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Champion Tree Program. These massive specimens represent the biological peak of their species, with some earning national recognition for their size. This article covers how these trees are measured, where to find them, what makes them special, and which species hold the top rankings across the state.
You’ll learn about the scoring system that determines a champion tree, discover the specific giants found in Lewis Center and Wayne County, and understand why these natural wonders matter to Ohio’s ecological record.
The ODNR Champion Tree Program
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry keeps a running database of the state’s biggest trees. This isn’t just a random list—it’s a carefully maintained registry that tracks both native and non-native species across all 88 counties. Right now, Ohio holds 14 National Champion titles, meaning these trees are the largest of their kind in the entire United States.
What makes this program interesting is that it’s completely voluntary. Anyone can nominate a tree they think deserves champion status. Foresters, hikers, landowners, or even curious neighbors can submit measurements for review. Once a tree gets verified, it joins the official registry. But this isn’t a permanent list. Trees get removed when they die, suffer storm damage, or get beaten by a bigger specimen. It’s always changing, which keeps things current.
The program covers dozens of species, from common oaks and maples to rare specimens like the Cucumber Magnolia. Some trees have held their titles for decades, while others get discovered and added each year. This mix of established giants and new finds makes the registry a living document that reflects Ohio’s diverse forest ecosystems.
How Is a Tree’s Size Calculated?
Here’s where things get technical, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. The ODNR uses a specific formula to score each tree: Circumference (in inches) + Height (in feet) + 0.25 × Average Crown Spread (in feet). This composite score means that “big” doesn’t just mean tall. A shorter tree with a massive trunk and wide canopy can easily outscore a skinnier, taller rival.
Foresters measure circumference at breast height, which is exactly 4.5 feet above the ground. This standard keeps measurements consistent across different evaluators. Height gets measured from the base to the tallest living branch tip, and crown spread is calculated by averaging the widest diameter and the narrowest diameter of the tree’s canopy.
Why use this formula instead of just picking the tallest tree? Because it captures the overall mass and presence of the tree. A 100-foot oak with a 20-foot circumference and a 60-foot crown spread might score higher than a 130-foot poplar with a skinny 8-foot trunk. The formula balances all three dimensions, giving credit to trees that dominate their space in multiple ways.
The Lewis Center Cottonwood
Delaware County’s Lewis Center area is home to one of the most impressive Ohio Giants—a massive Eastern Cottonwood that rivals anything else in the state. This beast scores over 540 points using the ODNR formula, putting it in serious contention for the title of Ohio’s largest tree. Cottonwoods typically grow fast and die young, but this specimen has defied expectations.
Experts estimate this particular tree is between 150 and 200 years old. That’s remarkable for a cottonwood, which usually maxes out around 80-100 years before rot or storm damage takes them down. The tree’s survival suggests it’s growing in ideal conditions—probably near a water source, protected from the worst winds, and lucky enough to avoid the chainsaw over two centuries of development.
Beyond the famous cottonwood, Lewis Center hosts other noteworthy specimens. There’s a White Oak in the area that’s gained attention for its exceptionally wide crown spread. While it might not compete in total points, its canopy creates a shade footprint that covers a massive area. These trees turn Delaware County into a hotspot for anyone hunting Ohio’s biggest biological specimens.
Wayne County’s Record-Breaking Sycamore
If you want to see the absolute largest living tree in Ohio, head to Wayne County. The American Sycamore there currently holds the state record with a jaw-dropping 577-point score. This isn’t just a state champion—it’s a National Champion, meaning no other American Sycamore in the entire country can beat it.
The numbers tell the story. This sycamore has a base circumference exceeding 48 feet. Wrap your arms around that—you’d need at least 10 adults standing fingertip-to-fingertip to encircle the trunk. It stands 129 feet tall, and its crown spreads wide enough to shade a small parking lot. Sycamores are known for their mottled, peeling bark and their preference for growing near rivers and streams. This specimen probably germinated sometime in the 1700s or early 1800s.
What separates this tree from the Lewis Center Cottonwood? The Wayne County Sycamore has maintained a single, dominant trunk without major splitting. Many large trees fork into multiple leaders, which can reduce their circumference measurement at breast height. This sycamore stayed unified, allowing it to pack on girth year after year. Its combination of height, thickness, and crown spread makes it the undisputed heavyweight champion of Ohio Giants.
Notable Species and Rankings
Ohio’s champion tree registry isn’t limited to cottonwoods and sycamores. The state’s diverse climate and soil types support a wide range of record-breaking species. Some have earned national recognition, while others dominate only within state borders.
| Tree Species | County | Key Feature | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Sycamore | Wayne | 48 ft base circumference | National Champion |
| Eastern Cottonwood | Delaware | ~540 total points | State Contender |
| Cucumber Magnolia | Stark | Largest in US | National Champion |
| Black Oak | Various | 316″ circumference | State Champion |
The Cucumber Magnolia in Stark County deserves special mention. This tree holds the national title for its species, meaning Ohio has the biggest Cucumber Magnolia in America. It’s not as well-known as sycamores or oaks, but it’s a rare find. The species typically grows in southern Appalachia, so having the national champ in Ohio speaks to the right microclimate and soil conditions.
Black Oaks are another category where Ohio shines. These trees can live for centuries and develop massive trunks. The state champion Black Oak has a circumference over 316 inches—that’s more than 26 feet around. Unlike the sycamore, which prefers wet bottomlands, Black Oaks thrive on drier ridges and hillsides. This diversity of habitat types across Ohio allows different species to reach champion status.
Conclusion
Ohio Giants aren’t myths or legends—they’re real, measurable trees that represent the biological upper limit of their species. The ODNR’s Champion Tree Program provides the framework for identifying and tracking these specimens, using a formula that accounts for circumference, height, and crown spread. From the Lewis Center Cottonwood to Wayne County’s record-breaking Sycamore, these trees stand as rare survivors that have outlasted generations of human development.
Whether you’re a casual nature enthusiast or a serious tree hunter, Ohio’s champion registry offers a roadmap to some of the most impressive living organisms in the state. The list changes as new discoveries get made and old champions fall to age or storms. For the most current data, check the official ODNR registry and see which Ohio Giants are still standing.