As a registered arboretum, Hollywood Cemetery contains some of the best examples of native trees in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Although they are located in a cemetery, these historic trees are alive and well and shade the grave sites of many famous notables.
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American Elm (Ulmus americana) Once the most popular tree in America, the Elm was practically eradicated by Dutch Elm disease. Prized for its widely arching branches, it once lined many city streets. 46” diameter at breast height.
Fun Fact: Vase-like shape.
American Holly (Ilex opaca) The tree from which Hollywood gets its name is found throughout the Cemetery's grounds. The American Holly is especially prized for its bright red berries and greenery for the winter holidays. 33" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: Red berries in the winter.
American Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) This graceful native species is often found on dry slopes as an understory tree. It is often confused with American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) which grows well in wetter areas. 18" diameter at breast height.
Fun Fact: Seed pods in pendulous clusters.
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) Normally found in wet soils, this tree grows the distinctive features known as "knees", or woody projections from its roots. The Cemetery's Bald Cypress grows in Long Bottom, where there once was a pond. 62" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: This Bald Cypress is the tallest tree in the cemetery.
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) With its brilliant red fall color and horizontal branching, the Black Gum is often considered Virginia's most beautiful native tree. 49" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: This particular example in Hollywood Cemetery is so notable that it was featured in Remarkable Trees of Virginia, published in 2008.
Black Oak (Quercus velutina) The Black Oak is a long-lived native oak, but is not often found in the nursery trade due to its long taproot, making it difficult to transplant. 65" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: Deeply furrowed bark, almost black on mature trees.
Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) Widely prized as Christmas trees, Firs usually suffer in a hot, dry climate such as Richmond's. 24" diameter at breast height.
Fun Fact: Evergreen color and perfect shape.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) The Ginkgo has inhabited the earth for over 150 million years. It makes a spectacular sight in the fall when its fan-shaped leaves turn bright yellow and drop all at once. 48" diameter at breast height.
Fun Fact: Brilliant fall color; unpleasant odor from the fruit of the female.
Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) This unique and picturesque tree usually develops ascending branches, especially noticeable in the winter.
Fun Fact: Long, pendulous seed pods, loved by wildlife.
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) The Persimmon is a slow-growing tree that prefers open, dry sites. Dark green leaves, interesting bark and branching make it a notable specimen tree. 28" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: On older trees, bark appears as dark square blocks; bitter fruit sweetens after first frost.
Post Oak (Quercus stellata) The Post Oak is seldom seen in landscape designs but is frequently found in the wild, often in dry, rocky soil. 42" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: Stout, spreading branches.
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) A multi-stemmed tree, 25 feet tall with bright and attractive white flowers shaded in pink that create a spectacular flower display. 33" diameter at breast height.
Fun Fact: One of the earliest flowering trees to bloom.
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) A handsome evergreen tree, typically found in southern gardens, the Magnolia is prized for its fragrant spring flowers and large green foliage used in holiday decorations. 55" diameter at breast height and likely to be over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: Large white, fragrant flowers in the spring.
Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata) A fine native Oak that is generally unavailable in the nursery trade but can be a fine specimen in the open or a valuable timber. 67" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: Thought to be the oldest tree in the cemetery.
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) A large shade tree, the Sweet Gum is spectacular in the fall when it turns yellow and red. On small properties it can be a problem when its barbed fruit balls litter the ground.
Fun Fact: Yellow-purple-red tones in the fall; corky, winged twigs on young branches.
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) Often found along stream banks, the Sycamore is distinguished by its striking appearance in the winter. A spectacular tree, it is also known for its height and grandeur. 66" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: The most photographed tree in the cemetery.
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) This common native tree often grows to great heights. It is most handsome growing in groves, where it develops a spire-like habit. 86" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: The largest tree, by volume, in the cemetery.
White Ash (Fraxinus americana) A hardy tree growing in the wild, the Ash is prone to the Emerald Ash Borer which may cause the loss of many trees as the insect spreads south. Its wood is valued for baseball bats and fine furniture. 47" diameter at breast height.
Fun Fact: Deep purple or yellow fall colorisis.
White Oak (Quercus alba) One of the best shade trees in America, the White Oak is known to live over eight hundred years and reach 150' in height. 59" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: Stately shape and purple-red color in the fall.
Willow Oak (Quercus Phellos) Although normally found along stream banks, the Willow Oak is a popular shade tree and can be found arching over many Richmond streets. 76" diameter at breast height and likely over 100 years old.
Fun Fact: Fine-textured, long narrow leaves.
