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Historic White House Magnolia Replaced with Descendant Sapling

A nearly 200-year-old tree planted by Andrew Jackson was removed due to safety concerns, with a 12-year-old sapling continuing its legacy.

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FILE - The magnolia planted on the South Lawn by President Andrew Jackson is seen at left as President Joe Biden, from left, and first lady Jill Biden, joined by surviving families of service members, hold hands in prayer around a newly planted magnolia tree during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, May 30, 2022. The new tree was grown from a seed from the original. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
A southern magnolia tree, believed to have been planted by former President Andrew Jackson, which is scheduled to be taken down, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., April 6, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Jackson Magnolia, planted by President Andrew Jackson in the 19th century, was removed from the White House grounds on April 7, 2025, following expert assessments of its deteriorating condition.
  • A 12-year-old descendant sapling, cultivated by the National Park Service, was planted on April 8 to preserve the historical and cultural legacy of the original tree.
  • The decision to remove the tree was based on a report by the American Society of Consulting Arborists, which deemed it a safety hazard due to the risk of structural failure.
  • Salvageable remnants of the original tree are being preserved by the Office of the Curator for archival purposes and potential future use.
  • The Jackson Magnolia, a symbol of American heritage, had witnessed nearly two centuries of presidential history and significant national events.