The American Elm that Grew Along with America How big is it? Trunk Circumference: 17.75 feet (5.4m) This American elm (Ulmus americana) is one of the oldest and most majestic trees on the Smithsonian grounds. It was Crown Spread: 116.5 feet (35.5m) planted around 1850, well before the opening of the National Height: 80 feet (24.4m) Museum of Natural History in 1910. Known as the Smithsonian Witness Elm, this tree has seen many momentous events pass American elms are native between the White House and U.S. Capitol during its lifetime. to eastern North America and were planted extensively throughout the United States in the 1700s and 1800s. From the earliest plans for the National Mall, 1909 1932 elm trees were the unifying element that linked the parks, avenues, and monument Construction of National Center Market vendors Archives Building on grounds. Around 1930, the devastating staged along B street former site of Center Dutch Elm Disease fungus was introduced (now Constitution Avenue) Market with Natural in front of Natural History to the U.S. and killed millions of elms History Building in the Building throughout the country. background Today, great elms like this Smithsonian Institution Archives, National Archives and Records Image #2002-10673 Administration, 5928152 tree in front of you still persist, either through natural resistance to the 1942 disease, proactive maintenance and disease 1932 View of National Mall Washington, D.C. control programs, or a combination of both. (with Natural History Memorial Day parade. This American elm is well cared for by Building and Center One of the many parades, Smithsonian Gardens’ staff and is the first Market at top) before marches, and heads of state trees were cleared to tree cataloged in the Smithsonian Gardens tha have passed by the return Washington Tree Collection, a living museum collection Smithsonian Witness Elm to the L’Enfant plan of thousands of trees. Smithsonian Institution Archives, Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Image #MAH-21935 Division, FSA/OWI Collection, LC-USW3-003239 .