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Historic Jackson Magnolia Replaced with Descendant Sapling at White House

President Trump oversaw the planting of a 12-year-old sapling grown from the nearly 200-year-old tree removed due to safety concerns.

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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 memory of his wife Rachel nearly two centuries ago, was removed on April 7, 2025, after expert assessments deemed it a safety hazard.
  • A descendant sapling, cultivated by the National Park Service, was planted on April 8, 2025, to ensure continuity of the tree's historical legacy.
  • The decision to remove the tree followed evaluations by arborists and consultations among the National Park Service, White House officials, and the U.S. Secret Service, citing risks of structural failure.
  • Remnants of the original tree will be preserved by the Office of the Curator for historical and commemorative purposes, as announced by the White House.
  • President Trump participated in a ceremonial planting of the new sapling, emphasizing efforts to preserve and honor the heritage of the White House grounds.