Warren G. Harding Commemorative – Southern Magnolia

President Harding and his Airedale terrier Laddie Boy on the White House Grounds.

Library of Congress

Magnolia grandiflora

1947-2025

First Lady Florence Harding planted a southern magnolia tree northeast of the entrance to the original 1902 East Wing area on March 29, 1922. The tree was replanted in 1947 and later redesignated as a commemorative tree for President Warren G. Harding in the mid-1950s. It was removed in September 2025 as part of the White House East Wing expansion project.

 

First Lady Florence Harding at the 1922 planting ceremony.

Library of Congress

Southern Magnolia (2023).

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Warren G. Harding commemorative tree plaque (2024).

NPS / Nathan King

 

White House

Commemorative Tree Plantings