Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum has received special recognition from the Rhode Island Tree Council for an extraordinary collection of 30 trees ranked among the largest and most significant specimens of their kind in the state.

The newly certified inventory includes 21 first-place Rhode Island State Champion Trees, along with four second-place and five third-place trees. The designation recognizes individual trees based on measurements and identification compiled as part of the Rhode Island Tree Council’s Helen Walker Raleigh Champion Tree program. Champion trees are selected primarily by overall height and crown spread, but also for cultural and historical significance to the community.

The 30 recognized trees range from familiar New England species to unusual specimens from around the world. Among Blithewold’s State Champions are Giant Sequoia, Japanese Cedar, Oriental Spruce, Chinese Wingnut, Manchurian Walnut, European Hornbeam, Dove Tree and Weeping Hemlock—reflecting the remarkable diversity of the historic collection and its' continuing role in preserving significant trees and sharing them with the public.

The recognition is particularly meaningful as Blithewold celebrates the 100th anniversary of its designation as an arboretum, highlighting a horticultural legacy that has been cultivated and preserved for generations.

“Thanks to the efforts, persistence and enthusiasm of Assistant Grounds Manager Dan Daley, and the help of intern Logan Fournier, Blithewold is now proud to have 21 certified State Champion Trees, as well as a great collection of second- and third-place finishers,” said Dan Christina, Director of Horticulture at Blithewold. “Of course, all of our trees are winners, but it is nice to have this verified list provided by the Rhode Island Tree Council and so diligently compiled with measurements and identification numbers. This gives us wonderful material to share in future issues of Blithewold’s Members’ Magazine — enough stories to keep us writing about these remarkable trees for the next 10 years!"