The U.S. Capitol Grounds feature a collection of more than 4,800 trees throughout the entire 274-acre Capitol complex.
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Trees were heavily used in Frederick Law Olmsted's design of the U.S. Capitol Grounds to frame the Capitol Building and to provide shade for visitors, creating a natural landscape as opposed to focusing on individual plants or formal gardens. His design still drives all landscaping decisions on the grounds today, including the placement and selection of trees.
The placement of the largest trees is designed to hide views of the Capitol except from specific angles that show off the building's architecture at its most majestic and inspiring vantage point. Olmsted used large deciduous shade trees throughout his design, and low-growing evergreen shrubs were used along the base of the West Terrace of the Capitol.
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Trees
Gifted, Memorial and Commemorative Trees
As you walk the grounds, Olmsted's original design is evident all around. However, you may notice a few additions of some exotic trees from across the world. These trees have been introduced over time as gifts, such as the cherry trees given by Japan in 1912, and as memorial or commemorative trees.
A memorial tree is planted in memory of an individual or individuals who are deceased and have made a national contribution, while a commemorative tree is planted to recognize a state, a living individual, group, organization, or a significant event or anniversary.
These special trees serve as a vehicle for experiencing a bit of American history and can be found on our U.S. Capitol Grounds features page.