Our National Trust registered trees
There are five (previously six- our Algerian oak fell in 2010) National Trust registered trees in the Park. These magnificent specimens were planted in the late 1800's by the Mossvale nursery managers.
Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis) T11951
Platanus orientalis
Other Name: Oriental Plane
File Number: T11951
Level: Regional
Statement of Significance
Contribution to historic park
Outstanding size
Aesthetic significance
An outstanding example of the species growing in a row with large Quercus castaneifolia. This tree forms part of the many exotic specimens established by Francis Moss in 1888 on this former nursery site. Located on the south side of the gate to private land at the rear of the park.
Measurements: 11/04/1991
Spread (m): 24.2
Girth (m): 2.96
Height (m): 23 .4
Estimated Age (yrs): 100
Condition: Good
Measurements: 04/2004
Spread (m): E-W 23; N-S 20
Girth (m): 3.2
Height (m): 24
Estimated Age (yrs): 113
Condition: Good
Access: Unrestricted
Classified: 11/04/1991
Group: Parks, Gardens and Trees
Link to National Trust listing here
London plane (Platanus x acerifolia ) T11950
Platanus x acerifolia
Other Name: London Plane
File Number: T11950
Level: Regional
Statement of Significance
Contribution to historic park
Outstanding size
Outstanding example of species
This tree, located next to the sound shell,is the best example of several very large Plane trees, both P. x acerifolia and P. orientalis, growing within the park. This old nursery site established by Francis Moss in 1888 on the banks of the Tarwin River comprised a portion of the original 1000 acres (404 ha) purchased. By 1900 the nursery had become well established and in 1945 the Council acquired the main park plus 2 acres (0.8ha) of natural bush across the river. The Park was opened to the public in 1946.
Measurements: 26/03/1991
Spread (m): 32.3
Girth (m):3.55
Height (m): 26.1
Estimated Age (yrs): 100
Condition: Good
Measurements: 04/2004
Spread (m): E-W 30; N-S34
Girth (m):4.4
Height (m): 31
Estimated Age (yrs): 113
Condition: Good
Access: Unrestricted
Classified: 11/04/1991
Group: Parks, Gardens and Trees
Link to National Trust listing here
Chestnut-Leaved Oak (Quercus castaneifolia) T11952
Quercus castaneifolia
Other Name: Chestnut-Leaved Oak
File Number: T11952
Level: State
Statement of Significance
Contribution to historic park
Outstanding size
Outstanding example of species
The largest example of several Chestnut-Leaved Oak Moss trees located within this former nursery site, established by Francis Moss in 1853. The species is native to the mountains of the Caucasus and Iran and resembles the closely-related Turkey Oak in appearance.
Measurements: 26/03/1991
Spread (m): 35
Girth (m): 6.14
Height (m): 33.2
Estimated Age (yrs): 100
Condition: Good
Measurements: 04/2004
Spread (m): E-W 35; N-S 26
Girth (m): 6.20
Height (m): 34.0
Estimated Age (yrs): 113
Condition: Good
Access: Unrestricted
Classified: 11/04/1991
Group: Parks, Gardens and Trees
Link to National Trust listing here
Silver elm (Ulmus minor 'Variegata') T12521
Ulmus minor 'Variegata'
Other Name: Silver elm
File Number: T12521
Level: State
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
An individual Variegated Silver Elm growing in Mossvale Park close to the playground.
How is it significant?
This tree is significant for scientific and social reasons at the State level.
Why is it significant?
This Variegated Silver Elm is scientifically significant for its outstanding size and is an outstanding example of the species. It is the tallest known Variegated Silver Elm in Victoria and has the largest circumference in comparison to other specimens on the Register. It is also socially significant for its contribution to the landscape of Mossvale Park. Francis Moss established the Park as a plant nursery in the late 19th century. The tree was donated by the Moss family nursery in Monbulk and was planted by members of the Country Women’s Association in 1957. The striking variegated leaves burst in mid spring and range from almost completely cream to green with cream flecks.
Measurements: 25/07/2023
Spread (m): NS 20.5, EW 19.3
Girth (m): 5.05Height (m): 38.1
Estimated age (yrs): 66
Condition: Good
Access: Unrestricted
Classified: 09/12/2024
Group: Parks, Gardens and Trees
Link to National Trust listing here
English Elm (Ulmus procera ) T12522
Ulmus procera
Other Name: English Elm
File Number: T12522
Level: State
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
A single English Elm located in Mossvale Park close to the playground.
How is it significant?
This English Elm is significant for scientific and social reasons at the State level.
Why is it significant?
This English Elm is scientifically significant for its outstanding size. It reaches an impressive height of 35.3 m and has a trunk circumference of 6.45 m, notably larger than the Arthur’s Elms at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. This specimen is the largest of its species (including canopy spread) on the Register. The tree is also socially significant for its contribution to the landscape. It is a valued feature of Mossvale Park by the South Gippsland community and is the only English Elm in the park, situated next to the Variegated Silver Elm (T12521).
Measurements: 31/07/2023
Spread (m): NS 36.3, EW 24.9
Girth (m): 6.46
Height (m): 35.3
Estimated age (yrs): 135
Condition: Good
Access: Unrestricted
Classified: 09/12/2024
Group: Parks, Gardens and Trees
Link to National Trust listing here
Californian plane (Platanus racemosa) T12538
Platanus racemosa
Other Name: Californian Plane Tree
File Number: T12538
Level: State
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
A single Californian Plane Tree in Mossvale Park, Berrys Creek.
How is it significant?
This Californian Plane Tree is significant for scientific and social reasons at the State level.
Why is it significant?
This tree is scientifically significant for being an outstanding example of a species that is rare, for its genetic value and as an important source of propagating stock. There are not many known specimens in Australia and there are no other specimens registered in Victoria. The species is threatened in its native range due to the hybridisation with London Planes which tend to dominate after reproduction. The tree is also socially significant for its contribution to the landscape of Mossvale Park as part of a well-maintained collection of trees and is usually the last to lose its leaves in the colder seasons.
Measurements: 31/07/2023
Number of Trees: 1
Spread (m): NS 19.1, EW 21.7
Girth (m): 3.7
Height (m): 31
Estimated age (yrs): 41
Condition: Good
Access: Unrestricted
Classified: 09/12/2024
Group: Parks, Gardens and Trees
Link to National Trust listing here
Contact the Friends of Mossvale Park using this form.
For all general Park inquiries and bookings please contact the Shire of South Gippsland on https://www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/ContactUs