American Elm
Ulmus americana
— Historic Trees —
Longwood has one of the most historically significant tree collections in the region.
This land was originally owned by William Penn, and later part of a 202-acre working farm and arboretum belonging to the Peirce family. The arboretum, known as Peirce's Park, was recognized in the mid-19th century as one of the finest tree collections in the nation. In 1906, Pierre S. du Pont purchased the land that is now Longwood Gardens in an effort to save the arboretum of majestic trees from being sold for lumber. Mr. du Pont restored and improved this landscape.
Today, we continue to preserve and protect our trees across the property. Our arborist and pest management experts maintain tree health with year-round monitoring, including ongoing pruning, remediation, and, as a last resort, replacement to ensure our trees thrive for many years to come.
You may visit the original arboretum located in Peirce's Park nearby the Peirce-du Pont House.
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This mature American elm is the sole survivor of an allée of elms planted in the 1930s that were later compromised by Dutch elm disease, a fungal disease spread by beetles. Signs of the disease first appeared in North America in the 1930s and between 1975 and 1989 our stately elms to the east of this remaining specimen were impacted. Today our team has
Erected by Longwood Gardens.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 39° 52.314′ N, 75° 40.487′ W. Marker is near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. It is in East Marlborough Township. Elm and marker are near the Rose Arbor, in Longwood Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square PA 19348, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Flower Garden Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Open Air Theatre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Peirce - du Pont House (about 600 feet away); Peirce's Park (about 700 feet away); Peirce's Woods (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Pumphouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Longwood's Carillon (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Peirce's Woods (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kennett Square.
Also see . . .
1. Elm (Arbor Day Foundation). (Submitted on June 10, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Longwood Gardens. (Submitted on June 10, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.