The Lafayette sycamore. Photos by Scott Wade. CBH in 1965 was 21', CBH in 1982 was 21'9" and in 2005 it is now 22' 5" Located in Brandwine Battlefield Park in Chaddsford Pa.

ENTS

I haven't posted anything lately, so I wanted to let you know that I am still here. I have started a rucker index for where I work, and I need a couple more species to get some numbers.

Question: I live in a suburbia type "forest," What range or area is acceptable for trees to be included in one index? We don't have many intact forests, but there are many leftover trees in the development that are note worthy. Could it be done at the township level or town level?

Now the Sycamore. I have been reading a book from 1982 about trees that were in the area of Md, NJ, Pa in 1682 when William Penn arrived. It is a good source for finding some big trees. The Sycamore is called the Lafayette Sycamore. It is located at Brandywine battlefield in Pa. Washington met Cornwalis there at one of the first battles of the war and lost :( This is an amazingly healthy tree. Apparently Lafayette was wounded and carried from the battlefield and placed under a tree by the local tavern. This tree was the Sycamore that is still there today. It was said Lafayette revisited the tree later in life. For those who don't know, Lafayette was a 19 year old who volunteered for our cause from France. He was given the rank of Major General. He was a classically trained officer. His enthusiasm helped get the French into our war. If the French did not come to our aid, we probably would not have won. Keep that in mind next time someone bashes France for their actions, or lack there of. Ok, the tree:

ENTS measurement is as follows.

CBH 22.4'
girth just above the ground 26'
first branch about 8'
height 99.4'
longest spread 134'
shortest spread 126'

It is a truly massive tree growing on a knoll above US route 1 next to Gilpin's tavern, the original one. If you are ever nearby, it is worth the stop. I have pics for those of you interested. 

Scott

Bob