Courthouse Elm

COURTHOUSE ELM

Information supplied by the Douglas County Master Gardeners.

Two frequently asked questions about the Courthouse Elm tree are - How old is it? And, what kind of tree is it?

By studying old photographs, some dating to 1902, we feel certain the tree was planted about 100 years ago. This coincides with the findings of the Oregon Federation of Garden clubs bi-centennial project in 1976. Of course the age of the tree, and when it was transplanted to its present location are no synonymous. Usually a tree is 3-5 years old or more when it's transplanted.

The tree is 71 feet tall. Its trunk, or bole, is 13 feet, 4 inches in circumference, with an average diameter of 4 feet, 3 inches. The average crown spread is about 103 feet.

The tree was a give to Douglas County by Binger Hermann, turn-of-the-century U.S. Congressman, and General Land Office Commissioner. If a special occasion was marked by the gift, it is not known. He was also known to have given trees to a number of Roseburg residents.

The tree has been identified as an American elm previously, but we felt there were sufficient inconsistencies to double-check the identity of the tree again. Its identity has been confirmed as an American elm (Ulmus americana L.) primarily because of its seeds. As one of our elm experts, Dr. Sue Sherman-Broyles, of the State University of New York put it. "No other elm in the world has this type of seeds."

As we regard this beautiful tree, we should remember it would not be here at all if Mr. Hermann had not purchased the tree and brought it to Roseburg. (Elms are not native to Oregon.) And, someone dug the hole and planted the tree. Over the years, many different grounds keepers have kept a watchful eye on the tree, arborists have tended to its need, and many different County Commissioners have been willing to spend the money necessary for its care. We owe them all a debt of gratitude.

The history and identification work was done by Bill Anderson. The following photographs were taken April 6, 1999 during the dedication of the tree as an Oregon Heritage Tree.

View of the tree

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