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Although no official records exist of the origination of the U.S. Capitol jujubes, it is believed that the current specimens originated from the founding U.S. Botanic Garden collection gathered during the Charles Wilkes expedition from 1838-1842. Olmsted used many exotic species in his designs across the United States, and the Capitol design was no exception.
There are two original jujube trees still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.
About the Olmsted Originals
Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted's 1874 General Plan for the U.S. Capitol Grounds sought to create a setting to accentuate the monumentality of the Capitol Building. Approximately 45 of Olmsted's trees remain today, having endured more than a century of urban life on the front stage of American democracy.
Each tree has its own unique features and preservation challenges, and the Architect of the Capitol's arborists employ industry best management practices to ensure these trees are given the very best care to remain safely in the landscape for current and future generations to enjoy.