Missouri's largest black oak certified in Scott County

MORLEY, Mo. -- A giant black oak in Scott County has been certified as the largest known tree of its species in the state.

Doug Sikes contacted the Missouri Department of Conservation about the tree, which dominates a field he purchased last fall in Morley, Mo., according to a conservation department news release. Sikes said he bought the field to protect the tree and so his family could enjoy it.

The black oak scored 347 points according to a formula used by the American Forestry Association and the Missouri Department of Conservation that assesses a value for big trees. The sprawling specimen is 75 feet tall, has a circumference of 246 inches and a spread of 105 feet, the conservation department reported.

The previous champion stands on private property in Ripley County at 78 feet tall, 219 inches in circumference and spreads 87 feet. According to the MDC, typical black oaks grow as tall as 85 feet and can grow to a spread of 85 feet.

Black oaks were historically used by Native Americans to make a variety of medicines. Today, they are planted for use in landscaping and windbreaks and their wood is milled for use in flooring, pallets, railroad ties and bridge timbers. In the forest ecosystem, oaks produce acorns to a variety of birds and woodland creatures, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons and deer. Animals also find homes in the tree's strong branches and in hollow places in its trunk. The MDC website lists black oaks as a "relatively short-lived" tree, usually living less than 120 years.

Private Lands Conservationist Brad Pobst nominated the tree for certification. He said the MDC encourages everyone to participate in the search for champion trees.

Pertinent address:

Morley, MO