The National Register of Big Trees has officially recognized a lofty and broad mimosa tree that stands on the front lawn of the inn as a National Champion Tree.

The recognition is given to trees that are the largest of their species growing in the United States. The mimosa silktree at Mimosa Inn is 64 feet tall with a crown spread of 80.42 feet and a circumference of 103.2 inches. It stands between a large tulip poplar and a china fir.

Mimosa Inn owners Jim and Stephanie Ott said Mimosa trees apparently are not supposed to grow as tall as the one that shades a large portion of their front lawn. But the tree, which recently bloomed along with other mimosa trees at the inn, appears to remain healthy and strong.

American Forest issued a certificate to the inn, which has also received recognition in the past for other notable trees on the property on Hwy. 108 in Lynn.

The mimosa tree was nominated by the Pacolet Area Conservancy to be a National Champion Tree. According to the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, it is the fourth National Champion Tree in Polk County. The other trees include a Chinese sand pear in Columbus, a common hackberry in Lynn and a white ash in Lynn.