White House replaces historic 'Jackson Magnolia' with descendant sapling

A direct-descendent sapling will replace the historic “Jackson Magnolia,” one of several Southern Magnolias causing safety concerns near the South Portico of the White House.

By Amanda Head and Charlotte Hazard

Published: April 8, 2025 11:37am

Updated: April 8, 2025 2:03pm

President Donald Trump is expected to plant a young southern magnolia tree Tuesday at the White House to replace the decayed one planted by President Andrew Jackson as a memorial to his wife who died in 1828.

The White House on Monday removed the two-century-old tree on the White House's South Portico, after saying weeks earlier that the tree was dying and had become a safety concern.

“After expert analysis and careful coordination between a board-certified Master Arborist, the National Park Service, the White House Grounds Superintendent ... the White House has made the careful decision to remove the Jackson Magnolia to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and the Grounds," the White House said in a statement.

Trump will plant a 12-year-old tree that is a direct descendant of the Jackson Magnolia that was grown at the National Park Service Greenhouse.

"The bad news is that everything must come to an end, and this tree is in terrible condition, a very dangerous safety hazard, at the White House Entrance, no less, and must now be removed," Trump wrote on TRUTH Social last weekend. This process will take place next week, and will be replaced by another, very beautiful tree.