George H. W. Bush & Queen Elizabeth II – Littleleaf Linden

Queen Elizabeth II and President George HW Bush hold shovels preparing to plant a tree as Prince Philip and Barbara Bush look on. — Courtesy George Bush Presidential Library and Museum / NARA

Tilia cordata

May 14, 1991

On May 14, 1991, President George H. W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom planted a littleleaf linden tree on the South Grounds center panel with First Lady Barbara Bush and Prince Philip present. This commemorative planting replaced the remaining tree from the original pair planted in 1937 during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration to honor the coronation of the Queen’s father, King George VI. The new tree was planted at the conclusion of the official State Arrival Ceremony.