Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Bottle Tree

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 12, 2025

1. The Bottle Tree Marker

Inscription. The bottle tree has evolved into a unique, Southern garden tradition. Its roots trace back to the African custom of trapping evil spirits in sparkling glass bottles suspended in trees. Today, the bottle tree brings new purpose and appreciation to empty glass bottles as inexpensive yard art. Any spirit entrapment is simply a bonus!

Erected by Virginia Zoo.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 36° 52.608′ N, 76° 16.582′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Virginia Zoo. It can be reached from Zoo Drive east of Live Oak Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3500 Granby St, Norfolk VA 23504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Miniature Zebu Cow (within shouting distance of this marker); Southdown Babydoll sheep (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Miniature Zebu Cow (within shouting distance of this marker); Endangered Species Success Story (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oyster Restoration on the Lafayette River

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(about 400 feet away); Village of Xaxaba: Island of the Tall Trees (approx. 0.2 miles away); African Village Garden (approx. 0.2 miles away); Village Life: Survival Strategies (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 12, 2025

2. The Bottle Tree Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.