 The Mingo Oak was the largest living white oak ; and with the exception of the state 's box huckleberries ( Gaylussacia brachycera ) , it was the oldest living flora specimen in West Virginia . The tree was referred to as the " mighty monarch of the mountains " . Biologist Earl M. Vanscoy said that the tree was " perhaps West Virginia 's most remarkable tree " ; and Colby B. Rucker of the Native Tree Society referred to the Mingo Oak as an " exceptional forest giant " . 
