Absalon Tulip
Acacia
Adam's Needle
African Marigold
Alfalfa
Alpine Squill
American Plum
Apple
Apricot
Asparagus
Balsam
Banana
Basket of Gold
Beautyberry
Bee Balm
Beets
Black Locust
Black-eyed Susan
Blackberry Lily
Blackhaw
Blue False Indigo
Blue Flag Tulip
Blue Sky Vine
Boston Marrow Squash
Boxwood
Breadseed Poppy
Broccoli
Broom Corn
Browallia
Brown-eyed Susan
Bullnose Pepper
Bush Bean
Bush Lima Bean
Butter and Eggs Daffodil
Butterfly Pea
Butterfly Weed
Byzantine Gladiolus
Cabbage
Calendula
Candytuft
Canterbury Bells
Cardinal Flower
Carolina Allspice
Carolina Jessamine
Carrot
Cauliflower
Cayenne Pepper
Celery
Charles de Mills Rose
Cheese's Mallow
Chicory
China Aster
Chinaberry
Chives
Clary Sage
Climbing Old Blush Rose
Cockscomb
Coffee
Cotton
Cowpea
Cowslip
Cranberrybush
Crimson Clover
Crocus 'Cloth of Gold'
Crown Imperial
Cucumber
Damask Rose
Dame's Rocket
Dipper Gourd
Drumstick Allium
Duc van Tol Red and Yellow Tulip
Duc van Tol Rose Tulip
Early Louisiana Daffodil
Eastern Redbud
Eglantine Rose
Egyptian Walking Onions
Elecampane
Endive
English Bluebells
English Daisy
English Lavender
Fall Daffodil
Fava Beans
Fig
Fish Pepper
Flaming Parrot Tulip
Flax
Florentine Tulip
Fothergilla
Four O'clock
Foxglove
French Marigold
French Striped Marigold
Garden Phlox
Garlic
German Bearded Iris
Germander
Globe Amaranth
Globe Artichoke
Globe Candytuft
Globe Thistle
Gloriosa Daisy
Golden Standard Tulip
Gooseberry
Gray Santolina
Great Blue Lobelia
Halberd-leaf Rose Mallow
Hardy cyclamen
Heliotrope
Helmar Tulip
Hemp
Hollyhock
Honesty
Honeysuckle
Hoop Petticoat Daffodil
Horseradish
Hydrangea
Jatropha
Jerusalem Artichoke
Joe Pye Weed
Johnny Jump-Up
Jospeh's Coat
Kale
Keizerskroon Tulip
Kentucky Coffeetree
Key Lime
Lac van Rijn Tulip
Lady Tulip
Lamb's Ears
Lantana
Larkspur
Leeks
Lemon
Lemon Balm
Lettuce
Leucothoe
Lilac
Live Oak
Lombardy Poplar
Long Island Cheese Pumpkin
Love-in-a-Mist
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Maltese Cross
Mangelwurzel
Maximus Daffodil
Mock Orange
Monkshood
Muscadine Grape
Muskmelon
Mustard Greens
Nasturtium
New England Aster
New York Ironweed
Nora Barlow Columbine
Obedient Plant
Odorus Flore Pleno Daffodil
Okra
Old Blush Rose
Oleander
Onion
Orange
Oregano
Oriental Poppy
Palmetto
Parsnips
Pawpaw
Peach
Pear
Peas
Peony
Persian Fritillary
Persian Lilac
Persimmon
Pheasant's Eye Daffodil
Pincushion Flower
Plum
Pole Bean
Pole Lima Bean
Pomegranate
Potato
Pummelo
Purple Coneflower
Radish
Raspberry
Red Currant
Red Hue Tulip
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Roman Hyacinth
Rosa Mundi Rose
Rose Campion
Rose Mallow
Rosemary
Rutabaga
Sage
Sago Palm
Sainfoin
Salad Burnet
Salsify
Scarlet Rose Mallow
Scotch Rose
Seminole Squash
Seventeen Sisters Daffodil
Siberian Iris
Silver Standard Tulip
Snake's Head Fritillary
Snapdragon
Sneezeweed
Snowdrop
Southern Catalpa
Southern Magnolia
Spiderwort
Spinach
Stinking hellebore
Stock
Strawberry
Strawberry Bush
Sugar Maple
Summersweet
Sunflower
Swan's Neck Daffodil
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Potato
Sweet William
Swiss Chard
Sycamore
Tansy
Tart Cherry
Tennessee Red Valencia Peanut
Threadleaf Coreopsis
Thyme
Tiger Daylily
Tobacco
Tournesol Tulip
Tulip Poplar
Turnip
Twin Sisters Daffodil
Valerian
Van Sion Daffodil
Virginia bluebell
Virginia Pine
Virginia Sweetspire
Virginia White Gourdseed Corn
Wallflower
Wapen van Leiden Tulip
Watermelon
Weeping Willow
White Mulberry
White Oak
White Rose of York
Wild Bergamot
Wild Columbine
Willing's Barbados Bird Pepper
Winter Aconite
Winter Rye
Winterberry Holly
Woodland Phlox
Yellow buckeye
Yellow Crookneck Squash
Yellow Willow
Date of introduction: 1780
Absalon is one of the rarest tulips grown at Mount Vernon. It features yellow flames on maroon petals and is one of the few remaining truly broken tulips.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Absalon' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington wrote in his diary on June 13, 1785, that he planted “a species of the Acacia (or Acasee) used in the West Indias for incircling their Gardens” in "the inclosure I had prepared for a Nursery" (his Botanic Garden).
Sweet acacia bears golden, sweet-smelling flower during the winter months that are attractive to a variety of pollinators. Its ferny foliage and serpentine branch structure add interest to the garden. Acacia trees make almost impenetrable hedges due to their thorny branches, while the flowers are used in the perfume industry.
| Latin Name | Vachellia farnesiana |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweet acacia Huisache Needle Bush |
| Bloom Season | November - March |
| Native Range | Mexico and Central America |
| Max Height | 35' |
| Max Spread | 25' |
| Uses |
Hedge |
This Virginia native was grown by a wide variety of historical figures including John Custis, Lady Jean Skipwith, and Thomas Jefferson.
This unique plant looks more suited to a desert climate, but it is found wild up and down the east coast. Its strappy leaves are crowned by huge spikes of creamy white flowers every other year.
| Latin Name | Yucca filamentosa |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Also Known As | Common Yucca Spanish Bayonet Needle Palm |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought Dry Soil Erosion Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Aztec marigolds were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. By 1770, John Bartram of Philadelphia was offering them for sale.
This upright yellow-flowering plant, with its distinctive odor, is a classic of the summer border.
| Latin Name | Tagetes erecta |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Mexican Marigold Aztec Marigold |
| Bloom Season | June - October |
| Native Range | Mexico, Central America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Edible |
Washington wrote in his diary in March of 1760 that he, "Began plowing the field by the Garden for Lucern."
This plant is used as a perennial fodder crop for livestock.
| Latin Name | Medicago sativa |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Lucerne |
| Bloom Season | July - July |
| Native Range | South-central Asia |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Ground Cover Crop |
This is an old garden plant that was grown widely in Europe by the mid-1700s.
These tiny blue flowers are some of the most shade tolerant of the spring flower bulbs.
| Latin Name | Scilla bifolia |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Bloom Season | March - April |
| Native Range | Central and southern Europe, Turkey |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington wrote in his diary in March of 1786, "Hoed the ground behind the Garden again and planded therein, in three Rows 177 of the wild, or Cherokee plumb; (sent me by Mr. Geo. A Washington) 8 inches a part in the rows with 18 inch intervals."
This native plum has a sprawling habit, which showcases the beautiful white flowers in spring and the unique pink plums in midsummer. The plants become scaly with age and are somewhat disease prone.
| Latin Name | Prunus americana |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Also Known As | Wild Plum |
| Bloom Season | March - March |
| Native Range | Eastern and Central North America |
| Max Height | 25' |
| Max Spread | 25' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Naturalize Edible |
Apples were an important crop during the colonial period due to the popularity (and necessity) of cider production. Washington grew several varieties for this purpose in the Orchard at his Mansion Farm, as well as on his outlying farms. He records "Received 215 Apple trees (red striek) from Major Jenifer; wh[ic]h I sent to the river plantation in the Neck, to be planted" in his diary on November 12, 1785.
Apples are ideally planted in multiples of different varieties for optimal fruit production, and many also benefit from pollinators to increase the effectiveness of cross-pollination. Most apple trees are grown from scionwood grafted to rootstock, and the kind of rootstock will determine the ultimate height and disease resistance of the tree. Dwarf and some semi-dwarf trees, with their smaller root systems, must be staked or trained to a wall or fence, much like the espaliered trees at Mount Vernon. The health and fruit yields of most trees depends on proper pruning and treatment of pests and disease.
| Latin Name | Malus pumila |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Flowering Tree Edible |
Apricots have been grown at Mount Vernon since 1762 when Washington notes that he was grafting them.
This underappreciated stone fruit has lovely blossoms early in the spring. Because of their early bloom time, the flowers are susceptible to freezing.
| Latin Name | Prunus armeniaca |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 10' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree |
George Washington was growing asparagus in his south (lower) garden in 1785.
Asparagus is an unusual plant that is primarily cultivated for its edible tender young shoots in the spring. When mature, it has large ferny foliage that is pale green.
| Latin Name | Asparagus officinalis |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Native Range | North and South America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
In 1793, a Mr. Minton Collins of Alexandria advertised balsam seeds for sale which he had received in a shipment from London.
This plant is ideally used in the front of the flower border and is prone to reseeding. It was a common garden plant in the 18th century.
| Latin Name | Impatiens balsamina |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Also Known As | Touch-Me-Not |
| Bloom Season | June - September |
| Native Range | India, Southeast Asia |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
George Washington received banana plants in 1799 in a shipment of plants and seeds from the East Indies.
Since bananas must reach a certain size to set fruit, today they are mostly used in the garden for their dramatic foliage.
| Latin Name | Musa coccinea |
| Family | Musaceae |
| Native Range | Indochina |
| Max Height | 10' |
| Max Spread | 10' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
Horticulturist Henry Middleton of South Carolina had this plant in his garden by 1800.
These sweet-smelling golden flowers are ideal for the front of the border in spring when bulbs are blooming.
| Latin Name | Aurinia saxatilis |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Golden-tuft Alyssum Rock Madwort Gold Dust |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Central and Southeastern Europe |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Ground Cover Naturalize |
It was first sent to England in 1724 by Mark Catesby.
All parts of this bold shrub are fragrant. It particularly deserves its name for the profusion of amethyst purple berries borne on its long branches.
| Latin Name | Callicarpa americana |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Naturalize Flower Border |
William Faris referred to this plant as "Bergamot Balm" and kept it in his Annapolis garden.
Bee Balm is a tall summer-blooming perennial with brilliant red flowers subtended by a whorl of showy, red-tinged, leafy bracts. The aromatic leaves can be used for tea, but are susceptible to mildew, so this plant needs good air circulation. A member of the mint family, bee balm spreads readily by rhizomes and self-seeding to form large colonies, so be prepared to divide it every few years.
| Latin Name | Monarda didyma |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Monarda Bergamot Oswego tea |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Canada, United States |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Clay Soil Deer Rabbit Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Edible Naturalize Rain Garden |
George Washington's gardeners recorded many instances of planting beets.
Beets are a popular root crop used for pickling, roasting, and salads. They come in an array of colors, including red, yellow, and red and white striped.
| Latin Name | Beta vulgaris |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, southern Asia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Black locust has historically been a valuable source of wood for fence posts, due to their rot-resistance. Washington planted a grove of locust on the north end of the mansion.
Black locust trees are fast-growing with an open habit, prominent thorns when young, and deeply furrowed bark when mature. Their fragrant white pea-like flowers attract honey bees, who make an aromatic honey from the pollen.
| Latin Name | Robinia pseudoacacia |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | False Acacia |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern and central United States |
| Max Height | 80' |
| Max Spread | 35' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Street Tree |
John Bartram of Philadelphia was selling orange coneflower in his 1770 catalog.
A cottage garden favorite, black-eyed susan features masses of ferociously yellow flowers that attract butterflies. They are incredibly hardy and tolerate a wide variety of conditions, making them ideal for naturalizing.
| Latin Name | Rudbeckia fulgida |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Perennial coneflower Orange coneflower |
| Bloom Season | June - October |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought Clay Soil Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Lady Jean Skipwith planted these in her Virginia garden in 1793.
Blackberry lilies are named for their glossy black seeds which look nearly identical to an actual blackberry. They have beautiful orange flowers with darker spots on long graceful stems above strappy green foliage.
| Latin Name | Iris domestica |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Also Known As | Leopard Lily |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Central Asia, India, China, Japan |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Blackhaws are an American native that initially appeared on John Bartram's lists in 1739.
These large spring blooming shrubs with edible berries do best in natural areas where they can achieve their full size.
| Latin Name | Viburnum prunifolium |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweet Haw Stag Bush |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern and Central North America |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 12' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Black Walnut Clay Soil Drought |
| Uses |
Edible Hedge Naturalize |
False indigo was originally cultivated as a potential dye, but the color proved weaker than true indigo. It was noted in the early 18th century by Williamsburg naturalist John Clayton.
This unique plant features bright blue-purple flowers on tall green stalks followed by interesting black seedpods. It forms a deep taproot and does not transplant well, so be certain of its location before planting.
| Latin Name | Baptisia australis |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Rattleweed Blue Wild Indigo |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Rabbit Clay Soil Erosion Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Date of introduction: 1750
Blue Flag is a petite double tulip with flouncy purple petals. Its short stature makes it ideally suited for the front of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Blue Flag' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington received blue sky vine plants from Thomas Law, who was his grandson-in-law, in 1799.
Blue sky vine is a large, twining vine that boasts beautiful pale blue flowers. It is a rapid grower and becomes quite large over the course of a season.
| Latin Name | Thunbergia grandiflora |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Also Known As | Bengal Clockvine |
| Native Range | Northern India |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
Boston Marrows are large, bright orange squashes that can weigh anywhere between 10 and 50 lbs., although 25 lbs. is more common. They are an excellent eating squash and can be turned into soups or pies.
| Latin Name | Cucurbita maxima 'Boston Marrow |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | South America |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Ornamental Vegetable |
After visiting Mount Vernon in 1796, architect Benjamin Latrobe observed, "On one side of the lawn is a plain Kitchen garden, on the other side a neat flower garden laid out in squares, and boxed with great precission [sic]."
Boxwood are the quintessential southern garden hedge plant. They are popular for use in knot gardens, parterres, edging, and as topiaries. While the historic English boxwood (Buxus suffruiticosa) are especially susceptible to a devastating and widespread blight caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola, there are new varieties that have been bred to offer various levels of resistance. Several varieties of boxwood grow in the Mount Vernon gardens including: Buxus sempervirens (American), Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Green Beauty', and 'Morris Dwarf.'
| Latin Name | Buxus spp. |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Hedge Flower Border Ornamental |
Historically, this plant has been used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Brother August Schubert of Bethabara was growing breadseed poppies in 1761.
This elegant annual forms an attractive seedhead after blooming and is ideal for the middle of the border in the spring garden. It self-sows reliably, but does not transplant well.
| Latin Name | Papaver somniferum |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Also Known As | Lettuce-leaf Poppy |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
George Washington's gardener recorded planting "brockley" in the "high" garden on June 9, 1798.
Broccoli is a cool season vegetable which has been cultivated since the Roman Empire. It is grown for its tender florets which can be eaten raw or cooked.
| Latin Name | Brassica oleracea (Italica) |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
This was a popular colonial plant used for making brooms.
This large plant is used to make brooms. However, it is not a true corn.
| Latin Name | Sorghum vulgare |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Central Africa |
| Max Height | 12' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Annual Crop |
It was introduced into cultivation in 1735, and was recommended by Philadelphia nurseyman Bernard McMahon in The American Gardener's Calendar (1806).
Airy blue flowers form a stunning mass mid-border late in the season when many other flowers are fading. In southern climates, this plant self-sows with vigor.
| Latin Name | Browallia americana |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Also Known As | Amethyst Flower Bush Violet |
| Bloom Season | August - October |
| Native Range | South America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
The plantsman John Bartram sold Brown-eyed Susans in his catalog in 1770.
Brown-eyed Susans form masses of bright gold flowers above dark green foliage. It will flop without a midseason trim to keep it from getting too tall. It is ideal for naturalizing because it reseeds readily.
| Latin Name | Rudbeckia triloba |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Thin-leaved Coneflower Three-leaved Coneflower |
| Bloom Season | July - October |
| Native Range | Central United States |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Thomas Jefferson was growing Bullnose peppers in 1774.
The bullnose pepper is a type of sweet pepper which produces abundantly. Its fruits are somewhat smaller than modern bell peppers and they are susceptible to sunscald. However, they have an excellent flavor.
| Latin Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | South and Central America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
George Washington planted "bunch" or bush hominy beans in his fields at The Neck, Frenches', and Muddy Hole.
Bush beans are compact, low growing plants that produce large crops of beans. They can be used for fresh eating or as dry beans.
| Latin Name | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
George Washington sent a letter to William Pearce in 1794 where he included lima beans for the gardener to plant.
Bush lima beans are vigorous, productive plants. Their smaller size makes them easy to grow in the home garden and they still provide a bounteous harvest. They can be used dry or fresh.
| Latin Name | Phaseolus lunatus |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Butter Bean |
| Native Range | Central America |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Vegetable Edible |
Date of Introduction: 1777
Butter and Eggs is pale yellow double daffodil with many frilly petals. Its height makes it well suited to the middle of the flower border.
| Latin Name | Narcissus incomparabilis aurantius plenus |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington received butterfly pea seeds from his grandson-in-law Thomas Law in 1799.
Butterfly peas are short lived tropical perennials with striking blue flowers. They have a twining habit and prefer rich, moist, well-drained soils. They make attractive container plants in Virginia.
| Latin Name | Clitoria ternatea |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Asian Pigeonwings Blue Pea |
| Native Range | Tropical Asia |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
They are native in all counties of Virginia and have long been popular in gardens, including Lady Skipwith's garden at Prestwould in 1793.
This plant features brilliant orange flowers that light up the garden and are attractive to pollinators, including monarchs and honeybees.
| Latin Name | Asclepias tuberosa |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Also Known As | Pleurisy Root |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Erosion Shallow-Rocky Soil Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
Lady Skipwith planted corn flags at her Virginia estate, Prestwould, in 1793.
This petite, graceful gladiolus features bright pink flowers on long, elegant stems. It is somewhat hardier than most modern gladioli.
| Latin Name | Gladiolus communis |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Also Known As | Corn Flag |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northwestern Africa |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington had cabbage planted between his rows of corn at several of his farms.
Cabbage is a cool season annual that was a staple crop in the colonial period and continues to be so today.
| Latin Name | Brassica oleracea |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Thomas Jefferson was growing calendula at his home as early as 1767.
Calendulas are an old fashioned herb with bright yellow or orange flowers. They are profuse bloomers in the spring and fall, but will stop blooming during the hot part of the summer. Their flowers can be used in salads and soaps.
| Latin Name | Calendula officinalis |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Pot Marigold Scotch Marigold |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Rabbit |
| Uses |
Annual Edible |
This compact plant is covered in drifts of tiny white flowers in the spring. It blooms at the same time as many of the spring bulbs and provides a nice accent among them.
| Latin Name | Iberis sempervirens |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Evergreen Candytuft |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Ground Cover |
George French of Fredericksburg, Virginia offered seeds of these for sale in January of 1799.
Canterbury bells are a common sight in cottage gardens. Their bright purple flowers add a richness of color to the pastels of late spring and early summer. They are a short-lived perennial and often need to be replanted.
| Latin Name | Campanula medium |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Also Known As | Bellflower Glass Flower |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
The Marquis de Lafayette wrote to George Washington requesting seeds of the cardinal flower for the King's gardens at Versailles.
The vibrant red blooms of the cardinal flower makes it an ideal plant for the shady summer garden. It reseeds readily and is ideal for naturalizing and sharing with friends.
| Latin Name | Lobelia cardinalis |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | North America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
In May of 1786, Washington's diary records that he "Planted or rather transplanted from the Box sent me by Colo. Wm. Washington of So. Carolina 6 of the Sweet scented, or aromatic shrub in my Shrubberies, on each side the Serpentine walks on this (or East) side of the Garden gate."
Give this shrub ample room to sprawl, as it tends to sucker when it's happy. The unusual chocolatey maroon flowers give off a spicy sweet fragrance which is echoed in cut twigs and leaves.
| Latin Name | Calycanthus floridus |
| Family | Calycanthaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweetshrub |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 10' |
| Max Spread | 12' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Ornamental |
Washington's gardener planted four yellow jessamines by the garden gates in 1786.
This rambling evergreen vine sports masses of fragrant tubular yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. It is well-suited for use on arbors and fences.
| Latin Name | Gelsemium sempervirens |
| Family | Gelsemiaceae |
| Also Known As | Evening Trumpetflower Woodbine |
| Bloom Season | February - April |
| Native Range | Southern United States, Mexico, Guatemala |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Uses |
Ground Cover Ornamental |
Washington grew carrots as a field crop in between rows of potatoes, and in the vegetable gardens on the Estate.
Carrots are a root crop which comes in a wide variety of colors. They can be yellow, orange, or purple. While the purple colored varieties are some of the oldest types, orange varieties of carrots were popular by the mid-1700s. They can be served fresh in salads, or cooked.
| Latin Name | Daucus carota var. sativa |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Native Range | Afghanistan |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible Annual |
In May of 1798, Washington's gardener records that he planted "calliflowers" in the lower garden.
Cauliflower is a cabbage relative with broad blue-green leaves and a large white head. It is slow to harvest and benefits from a long cool season.
| Latin Name | Brassica oleracea (Botrytis) |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native Range | Western Europe |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Washington planted cayenne peppers in his botanical garden in 1785.
Cayenne peppers are large prolific plants. They produce bountiful crops of slender, spicy red peppers that can be used fresh or dried.
| Latin Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | Tropical North and South America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
Brother Lung of the Moravian settlement at Bethabara, North Carolina was growing celery in the Upland Garden in 1759.
Celery is a familiar component of Bloody Marys, salads, and soups. It is grown primarily for its crisp stalks which add a mild flavor to food. Celery is a cool season vegetable and does not like the hot summers of the southern part of the country.
| Latin Name | Apium graveolens var. dulce |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
The Charles de Mills rose has been known in cultivation since approximately 1790.
This Gallica class rose is full-flowered with luscious petals of a deep crimson. It has fragrant flowers in the spring.
| Latin Name | Rosa gallica 'Charles de Mills' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Central and southern Europe |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
John Bartram of Philadelphia listed High Mallow for sale in his plant catalog by 1770.
High Mallow is an upright, bushy plant with magenta flowers and darker purple stripes. It reseeds readily and naturalizes quickly in the garden.
| Latin Name | Malva sylvestris |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Also Known As | High Mallow Common Mallow |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Western Europe, Northern Africa, Asia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Annual |
Washington was experimenting with chicory as a field crop.
This blue-flowered perennial is common as a roadside weed, but has a long history of being used as an edible or fodder.
| Latin Name | Cichorium intybus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Wild Endive Succory Coffeeweed |
| Bloom Season | May - October |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, western Asia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Edible Crop |
They have been cultivated in the United States since 1737, when John Custis was growing them in his Williamsburg garden.
The pink, purple, or white flowers of this cheerful daisy are an excellent midsummer accent in any flower garden.
| Latin Name | Callistephus chinensis |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Annual Aster |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | China |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
Washington planted Pride of China in his botanical garden, writing on July 23, 1785, "Perceived a few Plants of the Pride of China (the Seed of which were Sowed on the 13th. of June) to be coming up."
Chinaberry is a fast-growing deciduous tree often made of several smaller trunks, as it is able to readily sprout from the roots. The widely spreading crown, pale purple tube-like fragrant blooms, and attractive yellow drupes that persist all winter made it a popular ornamental shade tree in southern yards during the 1900s, but now it is noted for its invasive qualities, naturalizing along roadsides and fence rows. Many animal species - including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry and humans - have been poisoned by chinaberry, usually by ingesting the fallen fruit.
| Latin Name | Melia azedarach |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Also Known As | Pride of China Bead Tree Ceylon Mahogany |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Northern India, central and western China |
| Max Height | 50' |
| Max Spread | 50' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
William Byrd II recorded chives on his plant list in 1736.
Chives are a small clump-forming onion relative. The stems are frequently used as a culinary herb, and the flowers are attractive to pollinators.
| Latin Name | Allium schoenoprasum |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Balkans, Siberia, Asia Minor |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Herb Edible |
John Bartram of Philadelphia listed Clary sage in his 1770 catalog.
Spires of pink and white bracts crown this large-leafed salvia. It has been used as an herb since the Middle Ages and is currently used as flavoring for wines, vermouth, and liqueurs.
| Latin Name | Salvia sclarea |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Europe to Central Asia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Herb Edible |
Climbing Old Blush is a sport of the Old Blush rose and has been cultivated since the 1750s.
This elegant climbing rose sports large pink flowers from spring until nearly Christmas. It is lightly fragrant and easily trained to a graceful climbing habit against walls or over trellises.
| Latin Name | Rosa chinensis 'Climbing Old Blush' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - January |
| Native Range | Eastern Asia |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 20' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
John Custis of Williamsburg received cockscomb seeds from plantsman Peter Collinson of London in 1738.
A sturdy long-blooming annual, this impressive plant is ideal for the back of the border. Its bright flowers come in many colors, including hot pink, peach, deep rose, yellow, and red.
| Latin Name | Celosia argentea var. cristata |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - October |
| Native Range | India |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Edible |
George Washington received coffee plants from Thomas Law, who was his grandson-in-law, in 1799.
Coffee forms a large shrub with glossy green leaves. It has small white flowers. This plant produces the coffee beans so many of us rely on every day, but in this part of the world is primarily used as an ornamental.
| Latin Name | Coffea arabica |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Native Range | Tropical Africa |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
George Washington wrote to John Jay in March of 1794, "I thank you for the Nankeen Cotton-seed with which you had the goodness to furnish me. It shall be sent to Mount Vernon with orders to my Gardener to be particularly attentive thereto, but with little hope, I confess, of success; that climate & country being too high & cold for this plant."
This crop is grown for the fibers it produces, although ornamental varieties do exist.
| Latin Name | Gossypium hirsutum |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Also Known As | Upland Cotton |
| Bloom Season | July - October |
| Native Range | West Indies, Northern South America, Central America, Mexico |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Uses |
Crop |
In Washington's May 6, 1786 diary entry, he writes "Found that all the large (Indian) Peas I had, had been sown with the drill plow yesterday, at Dogue run"..." only compleated 8 rows—after which, they proceeded to sow the small black eyed pea & finished with them."
The name "cowpea" was probably coined for their use as a fodder crop for cows, and while grown for their edible bean, the leaves and pods can also be consumed. Black-eyed peas can be harvested as a snap bean, or dried, and are the main ingredient in Hoppin' John, a traditional Southern dish ritually served on New Year's Day.
| Latin Name | Vigna unguiculata |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Black-eyed pea Southern pea Yardlong bean Catjang Crowder pea |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Western and eastern Africa |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Uses |
Edible Crop Vegetable |
Lady Jean Skipwith recorded English cowslips in her Prestwould, Virginia garden in 1793.
This cute perennial forms small masses of green foliage with bright yellow or red flowers in the early spring. It is particularly sweet when planted with bulbs or other spring ephemerals in the front of the border.
| Latin Name | Primula veris |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Also Known As | Primula English Cowslip Fairy Cups Tittypines |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Temperate Europe and Asia |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington received some young guelder rose plants from his neighbor George Mason at Gunston Hall in 1785.
Cranberrybush has stunning white flowers reminiscent of a hydrangea, which makes up for its somewhat coarse texture and stiffly upright growth.
| Latin Name | Viburnum opulus |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Also Known As | Snowball Bush Guelder Rose |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, and Asia |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Hedge Naturalize Flower Border |
George Washington planted red clover extensively as a cover crop at all his farms.
This clover is used primarily as a cover crop and fodder, but it is also a good nectar source for bees.
| Latin Name | Trifolium incarnatum |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Italian Clover |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Dry Soil Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Crop |
This bulb was first discovered in 1587 and were well known in England by 1629.
Crocuses cheerfully herald the coming spring with bright yellow flowers. They naturalize easily in gardens, offering clumps which grow larger year by year.
| Latin Name | Crocus angustifolius 'Cloth of Gold' |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Bloom Season | March - April |
| Native Range | Europe to Western Asia |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Clay Soil Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
William Faris, an Annapolis clock maker and gardener, records the crown imperial on his 1790s list of flowers grown in his garden.
This large bulb has striking orange flowers borne on long lily-like flowers in spring. It is best placed on its side when planted to prevent rotting and then left undisturbed.
| Latin Name | Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Also Known As | Kaiser's Crown |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Western Asia to Himalayas |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
John Custis sent cucumber seeds to Peter Collinson in 1738.
Cucumbers are a vining plant with yellow flowers and slightly prickly stems. There are many varieties which produce cucumbers of different sizes and shapes.
| Latin Name | Cucumis sativus |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Native Range | South Asia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 8' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
The Damask rose has a long and storied history, but its origin remains unclear. We know that it was documented in England by 1540, and in 1791 Thomas Jefferson was growing a variety of damask rose in his garden at Monticello.
The highly fragrant damask rose offers a profusion of pink flowers in the spring. Flowers from this large and mostly upright shrub have been used for centuries in perfume making, as well as for rose oil, rose water, and for cooking.
| Latin Name | Rosa x damascena |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Also Known As | Rose of Castile |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eurasia |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
The English plant collector Peter Collinson sent seeds of Dame's Rocket to John Custis of Williamsburg in 1735.
A fragrant spring bloomer, this perennial naturalizes readily. Its white flowers are refreshing among all the pink and blue spring blooms. This flower cuts nicely for pleasant smelling bouquets.
| Latin Name | Hesperis matronalis |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Garden Rocket Damask Violet Sweet Rocket Mother-of-the-evening |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe, central Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Naturalize Flower Border |
John Custis sent Peter Collinson some gourd seeds in 1741.
Dipper gourds are sprawling plants that produce enormous quantities of fruit over the course of the season. The gourds they produce can be used to make drinking vessels, birdhouses, and other decorative items.
| Latin Name | Lagenaria siceraria |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Pantropical |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 16' |
| Uses |
Annual Crop |
Purple-headed garlick has been in popular use since 1766 and was listed in the first bulb catalog in the United States.
This unique late-blooming bulb sports maroon flower-heads, for which it earns its common of drumstick allium.
| Latin Name | Allium sphaerocephalon |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Round-headed Leek Purple-headed Garlick |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, western Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1595
Duc van Tol Red and Yellow is a petite tulip that does best when planted near the front of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Duc van Tol Red and Yellow' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1700
Duc van Tol Rose is a petite tulip with pointed pink and white petals.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Duc van Tol Rose |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1612
Early Louisiana is a petite yellow daffodil that is well suited to naturalizing. It does well towards the front of the flower border.
| Latin Name | Narcissus jonquilla 'Early Louisiana' |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington writes that he "Road to my Mill Swamp, where my Dogue run hands were at work & to other places in search of the sort of Trees I shall want for my walks, groves, & Wildernesses" . This included "a great abundance of the red-bud of all sizes" that he found along the river near his old brick kiln.
This small, spreading native tree offers a profusion of purplish-pink flowers lining the dark branches in April, followed by large heart-shaped leaves. The redbud evolved in the understory and wood edges of forests, where it is sheltered from intense sunlight, and is prettiest planted among dogwoods and other small spring- flowering shrubs.
| Latin Name | Cercis canadensis |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Spicewood Tree |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 35' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Street Tree Flowering Tree Naturalize |
The Eglantine rose was known in the American colonies by the 1740s.
Eglantine roses are large and sprawling, with single pale pink flowers in late spring and early summer. They are strongly apple-scented and their hips are popular for use in tea. This rose may be restrained by growing on posts or trellises to control its long, thorny canes.
| Latin Name | Rosa rubiginosa |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweetbriar Rose |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Europe and Western Asia |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 8' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Bernard McMahon of Philadelphia listed walking onions in his 1802 seed catalog.
Egyptian walking onions are a unique plant which produces the next generation in a crown of bulblets atop their stalks in lieu of flowers. As the bulblets grow, their weight pulls them to the ground, where they take root to grow new plants. While the young bulbs are mild and can be used as scallions, old bulbs are quite pungent.
| Latin Name | Allium x proliferum |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Tree onion Topsetting onion |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Edible Vegetable |
John Bartram had this plant in his catalog in the mid-18th century.
This plant's large leaves add a unique texture to the back of the border, while its yellow flowers provide late season interest. Elecampane is used in France and Switzerland to make absinthe.
| Latin Name | Inula helenium |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Horse Heal Elfdock |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Eurasia |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Herb |
Thomas Jefferson was growing endive in his garden in 1777.
Endive has broad, bright green leaves and looks somewhat like a rougher-textured lettuce. It has a sharp, bitter flavor.
| Latin Name | Cichorium endivia |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Escarole |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
These delicate flowers were first cultivated for the garden in 1200.
Cascading blue flowers on arching stems slowly naturalize in the garden.
| Latin Name | Hyacinthoides non-scripta |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Western Europe |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Heavy Shade |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Due to its homeopathic qualities, English Daisy was included in the Hortus Medicus at Bethabara, North Carolina, which is known as the oldest medical garden in the country.
With its cute white flower, this petite daisy makes a charming addition to the garden. It is usually grown as a short-lived perennial, but it will reseed if permitted.
| Latin Name | Bellis perennis |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Woundwort |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Southwestern Eurasia |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Annual Herb Naturalize |
Thomas Jefferson grew English lavender as one of his kitchen herbs in 1794.
Fragrant spires of dark purple flowers above silvery foliage light up the garden border in summer. If trimmed after blooming, they will flower again. Their flowers may be used in sachets or as flavoring in baking and drinks.
| Latin Name | Lavandula angustifolia |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Common Lavender Garden Lavender True Lavender |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border Herb |
Date of introduction: 1596
This crocus-like lemon yellow bulb is a surprising and unusual find in the fall garden. They perform best in sunny, protected locations.
| Latin Name | Sternbergia lutea |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Winter Daffodil Yellow Autumnal Amaryllis |
| Bloom Season | September - October |
| Native Range | Mediterranean to central Asia |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Of the broad, or "horse" bean, Jefferson wrote John Taylor, 29 Dec. 1794, “The President has tried it without success.” It is possible that Washington's failure was due to the hot Virginia summers, which this bean cannot tolerate.
Fava beans, a cool season plant, performs best in either the spring or the fall. They are quite robust and can grow to three feet high, producing many large pods which are best eaten shelled.
| Latin Name | Vicia faba |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Broad bean Horse bean |
| Native Range | Northern Africa and southern Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
On November 18, 1784, Washington wrote to John Marsden Pintard, agent for the United States in the Island of Madeira, asking for "a few slips of the vines of your best eating Grape; and a young fig tree or two." While these fig trees didn't survive the voyage, he did eventually plant some figs in the Lower Garden, as noted in his Gardener's report on February 18, 1798, when the gardeners were " Diging & pruning Fig trees in the under Garden..." Washington often mentions the vine and fig as a metaphor for retirement from public life, as in a 1797 letter to the Marquis du Lafayette, writing "that I have once more retreated to the shades of my own Vine and Fig tree, where I shall remain with best vows for the prosperity of that country for whose happiness I have ... "
The fig tree dates back to ancient times and is an important source of food for many cultures. Flowers are borne inside the fig structure (syconium), and the fig is ripe and at its sweetest when it softens and turns dark late in the season. Coarse-textured leaves, which are large and deeply lobed, are immediately eye-catching in the garden.
| Latin Name | Ficus carica |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 30' |
| Uses |
Edible |
Fish peppers were commonly seen in the gardens of the enslaved people and were often used for making fish sauces.
Fish peppers are hot peppers with variegated white leaves. The peppers themselves are often streaked with white and start green before maturing to red.
| Latin Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | Caribbean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
Date of introduction: circa 1650
Flaming Parrot is a favorite here at Mount Vernon, with its bold red stripes on fringed yellow petals. It is a tall, late-blooming tulip that does well in the middle of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Flaming Parrot' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington grew flax at most of his farms.
This crop has bright blue flowers. It is primarily used to make linen from its fibers and its seeds used as supplements and for linseed oil.
| Latin Name | Linum usitatissimum |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Also Known As | Linseed |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Middle East |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Annual Crop |
Date of introduction: 1597
The Florentine tulip is a charming yellow species tulip, with its bright flowers held on long, elegant stems.
| Latin Name | Tulipa sylvestris |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Its name honors Alexander Garden, a Scottish physician and plant enthusiast, who took up residence in Charleston, South Carolina in 1752 and first discovered and introduced Fothergilla gardenii to England.
The aromatic flowers on this dwarf shrub are redolent of honey. It is a plant of multi-season interest with its brilliant fall foliage and unique branching.
| Latin Name | Fothergilla gardenii |
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Also Known As | Dwarf Fothergilla Witch Alder |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
At Monticello, Thomas Jefferson observed in 1767, "Mirabilis just opened, very clever."
Named for the time of day the bloom opens, four o'clocks will attract hummingbirds and nocturnal pollinators to your garden. This bushy plant reseeds readily, producing hundreds of large black seeds that resemble hand grenades.
| Latin Name | Mirabilis jalapa |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Also Known As | Marvel of Peru |
| Bloom Season | June - October |
| Native Range | Tropical America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Rain Garden |
Washington received seeds of foxglove from his friend William Gordon in 1787.
Wands of bell-shaped flowers ascend from a broad, woolly basal rosette. This common cottage garden flower has an important role in the manufacture of heart medicine.
| Latin Name | Digitalis purpurea |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Also Known As | Lady's Glove |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
George French listed French marigold seeds in his 1799 advertisement in the Fredericksburg Virginia Herald
French marigolds are iconic garden plants with distinctly fragrant leaves. The flowers are single, semi-double, double, or crested in shades of yellow, orange, or red, and can also be bi-colored. When planted in the vegetable garden, marigolds can repel certain pests, such as white flies on tomatoes.
| Latin Name | Tagetes patula |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | July - November |
| Native Range | Mexico, Guatemala |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Deer |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
French marigolds were first featured in Curtis' Botanical Magazine in 1791.
This dazzling plant blooms in masses of yellow flowers with deep burgundy stripes and is the star of the fall garden.
| Latin Name | Tagetes patula |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | September - October |
| Native Range | Mexico and Guatemala |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Flower Border |
In her garden at Prestwould, Lady Jean Skipwith grew garden phlox in 1793.
Garden phlox has long been a staple of the perennial border, providing height and bright blooms at the back of the bed. The pink flowers are fragrant and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
| Latin Name | Phlox paniculata |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Also Known As | Summer phlox Tall phlox |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
William Faris of Annapolis, Maryland was growing garlic in his garden in 1790.
Garlic is a popular ingredient in many types of cooking. This bulbous plant is an onion relative with fleshy green leaves and umbels of pinkish white flowers.
| Latin Name | Allium sativum |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
William Faris had German irises in his garden in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1790.
Irises add interesting texture to the spring garden with strappy leaves and unique flowers, nicely accenting the later blooming flower bulbs. They grow to form large clumps which are easily divided and spread around the garden.
| Latin Name | Iris germanica |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Eastern Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Germander was used as edging in many colonial revival gardens, as well as for knot gardens during the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods.
Germander is a small, shrubby herb with bright flowers and a distinctive fragrance. It works well as a short, clipped hedge.
| Latin Name | Teucrium chamaedrys |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Wall Germander |
| Bloom Season | July - July |
| Native Range | Europe to Caucasus |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit Deer Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Herb Hedge |
John Custis said in 1742, "I esteem it one of the prettiest things I ever saw."
This magenta gem is well suited to the front of the border. Its lush blooms are attractive to butterflies, and they hold their color well when cut for use in dried arrangements.
| Latin Name | Gomphrena globosa |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - October |
| Native Range | Tropical America |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Dry Soil Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
In September of 1794, Washington wrote to William Pearce to request artichoke seeds for Martha, and was growing them in the lower garden.
Artichokes have large silvery green leaves that make them a striking addition to the garden. Their flower buds are traditionally used for culinary purposes, but if allowed to open offer large, brilliant purple flowers.
| Latin Name | Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | June - November |
| Native Range | Chile, Ecuador, United States |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Vegetable Ornamental Edible |
Introduced to cultivation in the 1600s, purple candytuft was mentioned by plantsman Bernard McMahon in his 1802 publication
A mid-border plant, this pink or lavender flower can flop, but is an attractive addition to the spring garden.
| Latin Name | Iberis umbellata |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Garden Candytuft Purple Candytuft |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
John Custis of Williamsburg received globe [thistle] from his friend Peter Collinson in 1738.
An unusual flower for the summer garden, these blue thistle-like blooms add a unique texture. If cut back after blooming, they will send up new flowers. They make excellent dried and cut flowers.
| Latin Name | Echinops ritro |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Southeastern Europe |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil Rabbit Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
In 1714, at the beginning of the naturalistic gardening craze, this American native was introduced to European gardens.
This large-flowered, cheerful plant is perfect for dry, difficult spots. It self-sows readily in variations of orange, yellow, and gold.
| Latin Name | Rudbeckia hirta |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Black-eyed Susan |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Central United States |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1760
Golden Standard is a brilliant red and yellow broken tulip. Its vibrant flowers bring light to the middle of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Golden Standard' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington wrote to Edward Newenham in 1789, "I have just been returning my thanks for his Gooseberry plants to your friend Colonel Persse, who I perceive is a fond admirer of a Country life, as well as myself."
This uncommon shrub produces tart green fruits in summer that are suitable for jams and desserts. They have many sharp thorns and some care should be used when working around them.
| Latin Name | Ribes uva-crispa |
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Europe, north Africa, and southeast Asia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit |
| Uses |
Edible |
Santolina has been in use since the middle ages as a medicinal herb and is a staple of Colonial Revival gardens.
Soft silvery foliage, which somewhat resembles French lavender, gives this plant its common name of lavender cotton. It is a good edging plant in sunny, well-drained spots. Santolina was commonly used medicinally and can be used to ward off insects.
| Latin Name | Santolina chamaecyparissus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Lavender Cotton |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Western and Central Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Herb Hedge Flower Border |
The plantsman John Bartram of Philadelphia offered Great Blue Lobelia in his catalog by 1770.
This tall, late blooming perennial adds a pleasant blue to shady glades in the summer. Native to Virginia, it is often found along stream banks and in wetland areas. It self seeds enthusiastically.
| Latin Name | Lobelia siphilitica |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Also Known As | Indian-tobacco Pukeweed Eyebright |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Heavy Shade Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
John Bartram listed this plant for sale in his catalog in 1770.
One of the most cold tolerant hibiscuses, this plant has pale pink flowers with a red eye. It adds an interesting texture to the summer border.
| Latin Name | Hibiscus laevis |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Bloom Season | August - September |
| Native Range | Eastern and central United States |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Water Plant Rain Garden Flower Border |
While we have very few records of plants Washington was growing in his Upper Garden, by the end of the eighteenth century cyclamen were being planted in other gardens in Virginia, such as Lady Jean Skipwith’s garden at Prestwould Plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.
Small pinkish-white flowers emerge from corms in September, followed by mottled green and silver ivy-shaped leaves, adding an unexpected touch of color to the fall woodland garden.
| Latin Name | Cyclamen hederifolium |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Also Known As | Persian violet, sowbread |
| Native Range | Western Asia, southern Europe |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Naturalize |
Jefferson said of this plant, "To be sowed in spring. A delicious flower, but I suspect it must be planted in boxes and kept in the house in winter. The smell rewards the care."
A fragrant addition to your summer border, this sturdy plant prefers well-drained soil and afternoon shade in the southern garden.
| Latin Name | Heliotropium arborescens |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Bloom Season | August - October |
| Native Range | Peru |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Annual |
Date of introduction: 1735
Helmar is a yellow and red tulip. Its red flames mimic the pattern of some of the broken tulips of the tulip mania.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Helmar' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington’s initial interest in hemp was as a cash crop, but he decided to grow it to meet the needs of his own plantation. Hemp was used at Mount Vernon for rope, thread for sewing sacks, canvas, and for repairing the seine nets used at the fisheries. Washington’s diaries and farm reports indicate that hemp grew at all five farms which made up Mount Vernon (Mansion House, River Farm, Dogue Run Farm, Muddy Hole Farm, and Union Farm).
Hemp is originally from central Asia, and has been cultivated throughout history as a source of fiber, seed, oil, and medicine.
| Latin Name | Cannabis sativa |
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Eastern Asia |
| Max Height | 10' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Crop Herb |
In 1790 in Annapolis, William Faris was growing them in his garden.
Hollyhocks are old-fashioned cottage garden favorites for their height and cheerful flowers in a wide range of colors. Most require staking to support their heavy stems.
| Latin Name | Alcea rosea |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Southwestern Asia and the Balkans |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border Annual Naturalize |
This was on of the first European flowers introduced to the colonies, where it was valued for its edible roots and ornamental seedpods. Thomas Jefferson was growing these in his garden as early as 1767.
Honesty is an old fashioned plant with briliant pink flowers that give way to paper-thin silvery seedpods, hence its many common names.
| Latin Name | Lunaria annua |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Silver Dollar Plant Money Plant |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Central and southern Europe |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
George Washington wrote in his diary in March of 1785, "Planted the Scarlet or French honey suckle (as my Gardner calls it, & which he says blows all the Summer) at each Column of my covered waysas also against the circular walls between the Store house &ca. and the two new necessaries."
A woody, twining vine, honeysuckle needs some structure to support itself. It blooms nearly all summer and is attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is well-suited for arbors, pergolas, and fences.
| Latin Name | Lonicera sempervirens |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Also Known As | Trumpet Honeysuckle Coral Honeysuckle |
| Bloom Season | May - November |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Clay Soil Deer |
| Uses |
Ornamental Naturalize |
Date of Introduction: 1629
The Hoop Petticoat is one of the smallest daffodils grown at Mount Vernon and is often crowded towards the front of the border for ease of viewing. It has unique flowers with large bells and slender, petite petals.
| Latin Name | Narcissus bulbocodium 'Golden Bells' |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Horseradish was noted in Washington's gardener's report in May of 1798.
Horseradish is a large spreading vegetable, used primarily for its pungent roots. It should be given a confined space, as it spreads rapidly if left unchecked.
| Latin Name | Armoracia rusticana |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Southeastern Europe |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Washington first purchased hydrangeas from John Bartram in 1792 to plant on the Bowling Green.
This versatile hydrangea tolerates a wide variety of conditions and is ideal for borders or natural areas. It benefits from an annual pruning in late winter to prevent the heavy blooms from flopping.
| Latin Name | Hydrangea arborescens |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Also Known As | Smooth Hydrangea Sevenbark |
| Bloom Season | June - September |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Clay Soil Dry Soil Wet Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
Washington planted jatropha in 1785 and knew of its purgative qualities.
This large tropical plant is used for various medicinal and economic purposes. The oil from the nuts is currently being studied as a potential source for biodiesel.
| Latin Name | Jatropha curcas |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Also Known As | Physic Nut Barbados Nut |
| Native Range | Tropical America |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Hedge |
George Washington was growing Jerusalem artichokes at his Muddy Hole farm.
Jerusalem artichoke is a perennial sunflower relative that produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers atop ten foot stalks. It is valued for its edible tubers, which resemble the flavor of water chestnuts.
| Latin Name | Helianthus tuberosus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Sunroot Sunchoke |
| Bloom Season | August - September |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 10' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Edible Naturalize |
Joe Pye weed was introduced to Europe by 1640, and was listed in the plant collector, John Bartram's, catalog by 1793.
This tall plant is crowned with purple-pink flowers in the late summer. It is an American native and tolerates a wide variety of environmental conditions. Its height and bloom time can be controlled by by pruning it back by half when it reaches about two to three feet.
| Latin Name | Eutrochium maculatum |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Spotted Joe Pye Weed Purple Boneset |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Wet Soil Drought Deer |
| Uses |
Naturalize Rain Garden |
The first known documented citation of this plant is by John Lawson in History of Carolina in 1718.
This delightful little flower is a harbinger of spring in many gardens, but also adds charm to a fall or winter garden depending on your region. The flowers are edible and can be used to wonderful effect on cakes and in salads.
| Latin Name | Viola tricolor |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Also Known As | Heart's Ease Love-in-idleness |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Edible |
Most species were introduced from the East Indies to Britain around 1600 and several species were common in early American gardens. John Custis of Williamsburg received these in 1742 from England.
This voluptuous annual is grown for its showy multicolored foliage in shades of green, yellow, and red.
| Latin Name | Amaranthus tricolor |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Also Known As | Edible Amaranth |
| Native Range | Africa, Indochina |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Edible |
George Washington received "kail" seeds from Tobias Lear sent from Glasgow, Scotland in 1794.
Kale is a popular leafy green that can be used cooked or in salads. It is also used as an ornamental plant in fall gardens. Historically, coarser types have been used as animal fodder.
| Latin Name | Brassica oleracea (Acephala) |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Date of introduction: 1750
Keizerskroon is a bold yellow and red tulip that has a strong presence in the spring garden at Mount Vernon. Its colorful flowers are well suited for the middle of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Keizerskroon' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington records in his diary on April 13, 1785 that he "Planted & Sowed in boxes placed in front of the Green House" "...Eight Nuts from a tree called the Kentucke Coffee tree; these had been steeped 48 hours."
This large, suckering tree produces fragrant showy flowers, followed by a bean-like seedpod and was used in times of scarcity to make a coffee-like beverage. The seeds are very toxic before roasting and should never be eaten raw.
| Latin Name | Gymnocladus dioicus |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern and Central North America |
| Max Height | 80' |
| Max Spread | 55' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Drought |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Rain Garden |
During his 1797 visit to Mount Vernon, Amariah Frost observed the curiosities of figs, raisins, limes, and oranges.
Key limes are small citrus trees with highly fragrant white blossoms. They produce many delightful fruits which are excellent for cooking. In this region, they are best grown in pots so that they can be moved in and out as the temperatures dictate.
| Latin Name | Citrus x aurantiifolia |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Also Known As | Bartender's Lime |
| Native Range | Southeast Asia |
| Max Height | 12' |
| Max Spread | 8' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree Ornamental |
Date of introduction: 1620
Lac van Rijn has striking white and deep pink flowers that add dramatic appeal to the spring garden.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Lac van Rijn' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1607
This sweet white and pink tulip is an elegant mid-border charmer. The white and pink petals open to reveal a nearly pure white interior.
| Latin Name | Tulipa clusiana |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Plantsman John Bartram listed lamb's ears for sale in his catalog from 1771 to 1809.
This silver-leafed groundcover does best in well-drained soil, but tolerates adverse conditions. Its purple flowers are attractive to honeybees and bumblebees.
| Latin Name | Stachys byzantina |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Woolly Hedgenettle |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Central Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Drought Dry Soil Black Walnut Shallow-Rocky Soil Air Pollution |
| Uses |
Flower Border Ground Cover |
Lady Jean Skipwith grew lantana in her garden at Prestwould in 1793.
Lantana is a colorful, shrubby annual with masses of flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and pink. Its leaves give off a distinctive smell and it produces bluish-black seeds. Lantana is commonly used as a bedding plant because of its long bloom season.
| Latin Name | Lantana camara |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Also Known As | Big-sage Red-sage Tickberry |
| Bloom Season | July - November |
| Native Range | Tropical America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
This is one of the few flowers mentioned in George Washington's letters. William Gordon remarks in a letter from September of 1787 that he has "sent you three quarters of a pound of larkspur to make the garden gay."
A favorite in the Mount Vernon gardens, this annual reseeds readily. Its pink, blue, and white flowers add height to the spring border.
| Latin Name | Consolida ajacis |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Also Known As | Doubtful knight's spur |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
In the March 10, 1798 gardener's report, Washington's gardener mentions sowing leek seeds.
Leeks are an onion relative with strappy green leaves which an edible stalk which is usually blanched.
| Latin Name | Allium ampeloprasum |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - June |
| Native Range | Northern Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, southern North America, Caribbean, South America |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Washington received a lemon tree in 1784 from Margaret Tilghman Carroll of Baltimore.
As with the other tropicals grown at Mount Vernon, the lemons are grown in pots so that they can be moved into a greenhouse for the winter.
| Latin Name | Citrus limon |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree Ornamental |
Lemon balm was a valuable herb in the fledgling American colonies and was found in the medicinal gardens at Bethabara in 1761.
Lemon balm is a spreading herb with a strong citrusy fragrance. It can be used for teas and cooking and is frequently used for essential oil. Gardeners should be aware that it can be aggressive and should be carefully contained.
| Latin Name | Melissa officinalis |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Balm Common Balm Balm Mint |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Southern Europe, Iran, Central Asia |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Edible Herb Ground Cover |
In April of 1786, Peter Crouwells and Co. of Philadelphia advertised in the Virginia Journal several different varieties of lettuce seed for sale.
Lettuce is a cool season leafy vegetable that is most frequently used in salads. Its leaves come in a variety of colors, from green to red to splotchy.
| Latin Name | Lactuca sativa |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native Range | Mediterranean to Siberia |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
John Bartram recorded coastal doghobble in his 1792 nursery list.
This glossy-leafed shade loving shrub has a graceful arching habit and panicles of white flowers in the late spring.
| Latin Name | Leucothoe axillaris |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Also Known As | Dog-hobble Coast Leucothoe |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Uses |
Hedge |
Washington planted a number of lilacs around his home.
Large fragrant bouquets of purple flowers make this shrub the queen of spring in the northern garden.
| Latin Name | Syringa vulgaris |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southeastern Europe |
| Max Height | 16' |
| Max Spread | 12' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Hedge Ornamental |
George Washington received a box of live oak plants and acorns from Mr. Josiah Parker of Norfolk, Virginia in March of 1785.
This iconic evergreen tree of the south forms a wide spreading canopy and is often draped with Spanish moss. They are extremely resilient, which allows them to survive the severe weather patterns of the southern part of the country.
| Latin Name | Quercus virginiana |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Also Known As | Virginia Live Oak Southern Live Oak |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States, Mexico |
| Max Height | 80' |
| Max Spread | 100' |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Rain Garden |
On October 14, 1792, Washington instructed his farm manager, Anthony Whitting, to have the gardeners "plant cuttings of the Weeping Willow, yellow willow, or Lombardy Poplar" to create living fences. The shrinking availabiliy of timber with which to make rail fences caused him to turn to live hedges, which could be started with fast-growing Lombardy poplar and willows, while slower growing cedars and locusts would eventually take over. Unfortunately, and with great disappointment, he never succeeded due to various setbacks.
Lombardy poplar is best suited as a street tree or short-lived privacy screen. It is very fast-growing to approximately 40 feet.
| Latin Name | Populus nigra 'Italica' |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Also Known As | Black Poplar |
| Bloom Season | March - April |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, western Asia |
| Max Height | 50' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Street Tree Hedge |
In May of 1788, Washington writes of planting pumpkins at Muddy Hole.
The Long Island Cheese pumpkin is an excellent eating pumpkin and is well-suited for making pies. It is a beautiful tan pumpkin with deep lobes that grows on huge, sprawling vines.
| Latin Name | Cucurbita moschata |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Native Range | South and Central America |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Crop Vegetable |
Love-in-a-Mist was a common garden flower in Europe by the 16th century and had made its way to the colonies by the 18th century. It was listed on a seed order placed by Henry Middleton of South Carolina in 1800.
This feathery flower blooms in shades of blue, white, and pink, and reseeds easily, but does not transplant well. It is noted for its interesting seedpods.
| Latin Name | Nigella damascena |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Also Known As | Ragged Lady Devil in the Bush |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
Incredibly long-blooming and excellent for drying, they have been grown in the American garden since the 1700s.
Love-lies-bleeding is an elegant cottage garden plant with cascading crimson flowers that are excellent for the summer border and as a cut flower.
| Latin Name | Amaranthus caudatus |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Also Known As | Tassel Flower Foxtail Amaranth |
| Bloom Season | July - October |
| Native Range | Africa, India, and Peru |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
John Bartram of Philadelphia offered Maltese Cross in his 1770 catalog.
Bright orange flowers offer a sharp contrast to the pinks and purples that proliferate in the early summer border. Maltese cross reseeds fairly easily, but can be choked out by more aggressive perennials.
| Latin Name | Lychnis chalcedonica |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Also Known As | Burning Love Jerusalem Cross Nonesuch Meadow Campion |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
In April of 1788, Washington planted Root of Scarcity (mangelwurzels) in his vineyard enclosure.
Mangelwurzels are incredibly large beets, sometimes over a foot long. They have typical red and green foliage, but their roots can weigh as much as 10 lbs.
| Latin Name | Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Also Known As | Mangold Fodder beet Mangel beet |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
Date of introduction: 1576
Maximus is a standard among daffodils for its height and large yellow blooms. It does well in the middle of the border where it can be easily seen.
| Latin Name | Narcissus hispanicus 'Maximus' |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Trumpet Major |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe, central Asia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington planted a mock orange near the north necessary in 1785.
Mock oranges are common in older gardens, although they are regaining popularity with the introduction of dwarf and double-flowering cultivars. Richly fragrant, they offer a profusion of star-shaped flowers with yellow centers.
| Latin Name | Philadelphus coronarius |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Also Known As | English Dogwood |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 8' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border Hedge |
Lady Jean Skipwith enjoyed this purple flower in her Virginia garden in 1793.
This late blooming perennial adds height and colorful spires to the end of summer shade garden. It prefers afternoon shade in the southern garden, but will tolerate sun further north.
| Latin Name | Aconitum napellus |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Also Known As | Queen of All Poisons Wolf's Bane Aconite |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Western and central Europe |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Throughout his lifetime, Washington experimented with a large variety of grape plants from different regions.
This southern grape must be harshly pruned to keep it in check and producing vigorously. They are best used as table grapes, or for jams and jellies. If left unattended, it will rapidly take over your garden.
| Latin Name | Vitis rotundifolia |
| Family | Vitaceae |
| Native Range | Southeastern and southcentral United States |
| Max Height | 100' |
| Max Spread | 100' |
| Tolerances |
Dry Soil Erosion |
| Uses |
Edible |
Washington thanks Charles Cotesworth Pinckney for some melon seeds that he had sent to Mrs. Washington in 1799.
Muskmelons are a trailing, vining plant with small yellow flowers which often performs better when grown on a trellis. They produce fruit in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Their fruits are frequently fragrant.
| Latin Name | Cucumis melo |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Native Range | Middle East |
| Max Height | 9' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
Washington received an invoice from Robert Cary & Company in March of 1760 regarding an order for 12 lb. of best mustard seed.
Mustard produces a leafy green that can be used for fresh eating, or as a cooked vegetable. It produces pretty yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators.
| Latin Name | Brassica juncea |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Brown Mustard Chinese Mustard |
| Native Range | Russia to central Asia |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Edible Crop Vegetable Annual |
The Spanish brought nasturtiums to Europe from South America and they have been cultivated as a garden plant ever since. Minton Collins of Virginia offered nasturtium seeds for sale in the Virginia Gazette in 1793.
A sprawling annual herb, nasturtiums have long been a charming kitchen garden plant. Their flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible, and add a peppery bite to salads.
| Latin Name | Tropaeolum majus |
| Family | Tropaeolaceae |
| Also Known As | Indian Cress Monks Cress |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | South and Central America |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Flower Border Herb |
The pink and purple flowers of asters add color and height to the late summer garden. Due to their spreading habit they will naturalize when planted in the garden. A mid-spring trim will delay bloom time and help keep them restrained.
| Latin Name | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Michaelmas Daisy |
| Bloom Season | August - October |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
John Bartram of Philadelphia offered New York Ironweed for sale in his catalog between 1771 and 1809.
This towering perennial is crowned with clusters of brilliant purple flowers. The size can be kept in check by a mid-spring pruning.
| Latin Name | Vernonia noveboracensis |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Vein-leaf Hawkweed |
| Bloom Season | August - October |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Clay Soil Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
This type of columbine has been recorded in herbals since the 17th century.
A fluffier flower sets this columbine apart from the simpler native type. It has cheerful magenta and white flowers on tall stems and reseeds readily.
| Latin Name | Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Nora Barlow' |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Also Known As | Common Columbine Granny's Nightcap |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
The famous plantsman John Bartram sold obedient plant in his catalog by 1770.
This tall Virginia native has spires of bright pink flowers and can be seen growing along waterways and woodland trails. It makes an excellent addition the back of the border, but be prepared for some spreading. It does not earn its name by staying in one place, but due to the ability to manipulate the flowers in different directions.
| Latin Name | Physostegia virginiana |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | False Dragonhead |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | North America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
Date of introduction: 1601
Odorus Flore Pleno is a medium to small daffodil with double yellow flowers. It is strongly fragrant.
| Latin Name | Narcissus odorus flore pleno |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Queen Anne's Double Jonquil Double Campernelle |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Lady Jean Skipwith of Prestwould was growing okra in her garden in 1793.
Okra is a tall plant with cheerful yellow flowers that are reminiscent of hibiscus blossoms. They produce green seedpods that are best harvested when they are 2 to 3 inches long.
| Latin Name | Abelmoschus esculentus |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Also Known As | Ladies' Fingers Ochro |
| Native Range | Old World Tropics |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
The Old Blush rose is one of the earliest China roses to make it into European cultivation and was recorded in Denmark in 1752.
Old Blush is lightly fragrant with semi-double pink flowers. It blooms throughout the season and can bloom at Mount Vernon well into December.
| Latin Name | Rosa chinensis 'Old Blush' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Also Known As | Parson's Pink China Old China Monthly |
| Bloom Season | May - November |
| Native Range | Eastern Asia |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
Two oleander plants were ordered in February of 1792 from General Moultrie of South Carolina.
This large subtropical plant has brilliant pink flowers which bloom through summer in the Mount Vernon gardens.
| Latin Name | Nerium oleander |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Also Known As | Nerium |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
Washington's gardener records planting, weeding, and harvesting onions in his garden report in the summer of 1798.
Onions are commonly planted in the fall for a spring harvest. Red and yellow types are available to grow.
| Latin Name | Allium cepa |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Black Walnut Rabbit |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Washington notes in his diary in 1785 that he received "a few young trees of the Civil or sower oranges in a box."
Seville oranges are a small to medium citrus tree which produce bitter, unpleasant tasting oranges.
| Latin Name | Citrus x aurantium |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Also Known As | Seville Orange Bitter Orange |
| Native Range | Southeast Asia |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree Ornamental |
John Bartram was offering oregano for sale between 1771 and 1809.
Oregano is a compact slow-spreading herb that is popularly used in cooking. It is very fragrant and attractive to bees and butterflies.
| Latin Name | Origanum vulgare |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - October |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil Erosion |
| Uses |
Herb Edible Ground Cover Naturalize |
John Bartram, the Philadelphia plantsman, offered oriental poppies for sale in 1770.
Cheerful red flowers make this late spring to early summer perennial a showstopper. It can be difficult to get started, but once established,poppies are a reliable old-fashioned favorite.
| Latin Name | Papaver orientale |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Bloom Season | June - June |
| Native Range | Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
In 1785, William Blake of Charleston, SC sent seeds and plants to Mount Vernon, where they were like planted in the Botanic Garden.
Palmettos are the most northern palm to grow in the United States. They were a common food source for southern Native American tribes.
| Latin Name | Sabal palmetto |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Also Known As | Cabbage Palmetto Carolina Palmetto |
| Native Range | Southern United States, Caribbean |
| Max Height | 40' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
Washington had his enslaved workers plant parsnips with carrots as a field crop to produce livestock feed, as well as in the gardens to use for human consumption.
Parsnips are a large root vegetable which somewhat resemble white carrots and can be used in similar ways. Just like the wild parsnip, cultivated plants attract a range of pollinators and are host plants for several moths and butterflies, including swallowtails. Handling the plants should be done with care, as they can cause severe skin irritation- gloves and long sleeves are recommended while harvesting.
| Latin Name | Pastinaca sativa |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Native Range | Eurasia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
George Washington wrote in his diary on March 7th, 1785 that he, "Planted all my Cedars, all my Papaw, and two Honey locust Trees in my Shrubberies and two of the latter in my groves--one at each 'side' of the House and a large Holly tree on the Point going to the Sein landing."
This small, colonizing tree produces the largest edible fruit indigenous to the United States. It has dark maroon flowers in the early spring which are pollinated by flies.
| Latin Name | Asimina triloba |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Also Known As | Papaw West Virginia Banana Poor Man's Banana |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Eastern, southern, and midwestern United States |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 30' |
| Tolerances |
Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Edible Naturalize |
George Washington was fond of peaches and mentions them often, and Martha Washington used them to make Genoa paste.
Peaches are wide fast growing trees that require careful pruning and maintenance in order to produce good quality fruit. Their vibrant pink flowers in spring are charming and attractive to pollinators.
| Latin Name | Prunus persica |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Northwestern China |
| Max Height | 25' |
| Max Spread | 25' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree |
In 1785 Washington received many varieties of pears from his neighbors that had been developed in Europe.
Like other fruit trees, pears require a good deal of maintenance in order to perform well. Many require a chilling period to fully ripen and are good for use in baking and cidermaking.
| Latin Name | Pyrus communis |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 25' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree |
George Washington grew peas at most of his farms.
Peas are tender spring vegetable on short vines. They often have large showy flowers in colors like pink and white. The pods can range in color from purple to green. Peas are best direct sown outdoors in the early months of spring, and if you have a long, cool fall, a second crop can be grown.
| Latin Name | Pisum sativum |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
John Bartram of Philadelphia lists peonies in his 1770 catalog.
Herbaceous, shrub-like plants bear single or double flowers in shades of pink and cream. They are an old-fashioned favorite in East Coast gardens.
| Latin Name | Paeonia sp. |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Asia, Europe |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Introduced to English gardens in the 16th century, Persian lilies emigrated to the colonies by the end of the 18th century.
This tall spring bulb is crowned by a spike of maroon flowers above gray-green foliage and makes a striking addition to the spring garden. The bulb itself is strongly odoriferous which prevents the depredations of rodents.
| Latin Name | Fritillaria persica |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Also Known As | Persian Lily |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Middle East |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington obtained two of these from John Bartram's nursery in 1792.
The Persian lilac is much more delicate and heat resistant than the common lilac, with a lighter fragrance and smaller flowers.
| Latin Name | Syringa x persica |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Garden origin |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 10' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Hedge Ornamental |
George Washington's loyalist friend and neighbor Jonathon Boucher wrote to him in 1784 regarding the newly formed American government, "Many of the Speculations which the late unsettled Times have given Birth to, resemble your Persimmons before the Frost: They are fair to the Eye & specious; but really disgusting & dangerous."
Persimmons are an unusual American fruit that can colonize in abandoned fields and open woods. Female trees bear astringent orange fruits that become fully ripe after a frost.
| Latin Name | Diospyros virginiana |
| Family | Ebenaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern and midwestern United States |
| Max Height | 60' |
| Max Spread | 35' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Clay Soil Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Edible Rain Garden Naturalize |
Date of introduction: 1600
The Pheasant's Eye daffodil is a clear white daffodil featuring a yellow cup with a red ring. It is one of the later blooming daffodils and it does best towards the middle of the border.
| Latin Name | Narcissus poeticus |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Poet's narcissus |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Spain to Balkans |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
In 1736, Scabiosa was noted in the Virginia garden of William Byrd II of Westover.
These airy, colorful flowers are mildly fragrant and a pleasant addition to the flower border.
| Latin Name | Scabiosa atropurpurea |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweet Scabious |
| Bloom Season | May - September |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
Washington was experimenting with planting and grafting plums as early as 1763. Martha Washington's cookbook has many recipes for jellies, pastes, and preserves containing plums.
Plums have a sprawling, suckering growth habit and therefore require judicious pruning.
| Latin Name | Prunus domestica |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia, and North America |
| Max Height | 25' |
| Max Spread | 25' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree |
George Washington grew many acres of several varieties of beans, and advocated planting the pole beans with corn for support. In a letter to his farm manager, William Pearce, in May of 1785, he wrote " I have heard much of the white (homony) Bean as being very productive, and a ready sale: suppose you were to devote an Acre of Corn ground to this purpose, to see what the yield would be: or, if they would do without something to run upon, & support them, to plant an acre or two without Corn, in No. 6 at Union farm..."
Pole beans, such as kidney and butter or lima beans, produce long vines that do best when supported on some type of trellis. They are prolific growers and can easily cover a trellis in the course of a season while producing many beans which can be eaten fresh or dried.
| Latin Name | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Runner bean Snap bean Green bean String bean |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
George Washington sent a letter to Anthony Whitting in February of 1793 regarding lima beans that Mrs. Washington wanted the gardener to plant.
Pole lima beans are vigorous plants that do best when grown on trellises. They are fast growing and produce beans which can be used fresh or dried.
| Latin Name | Phaseolus lunatus |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Butter bean |
| Native Range | South America |
| Max Height | 10' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
George Washington ordered a pomegranate from John Bartram in 1792.
This large shrub boasts vibrant orange flowers in the summer which ripen into large orange-red fruits.
| Latin Name | Punica granatum |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Mediterranean to the Himalayas |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Edible Ornamental |
George Washington planted potatoes at many of his farms.
Potatoes are a tomato relative and are often mistaken for them, as their foliage is somewhat similar in appearance. They are an agricultural staple that ranks with wheat and rice as among the most important in the world. Their South American origin is often obscured by their fame as a mainstay crop in Ireland. Potato tubers come in many colors; including yellow, brown, pink, red, and purple.
| Latin Name | Solanum tuberosum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | South America |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Records show that in 1789 Margaret Tilghman Carroll sent Washington two pummelos, along with a collection of other tropicals for his greenhouse.
This citrus tree produces fragrant flowers followed by large fruits which are larger and sweeter than a grapefruit.
| Latin Name | Citrus maxima |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Also Known As | Shaddock Pamplemousse Pomelo |
| Native Range | Polynesia |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 18' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree Ornamental |
Coneflowers have been a garden favorite since the late 17th century, after it was collected from Virginia for European gardens in 1678.
This native perennial has vibrant magenta flowers which add contrast to the overwhelming yellows and reds of the summer garden. The showy daisy-like flowers borne on stiff stems attract goldfinches if left to go to seed.
| Latin Name | Echinacea purpurea |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | North America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil Clay Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
According to Washington's gardener's report, radishes were grown in the upper and lower gardens in 1798 (that's right, folks- 11 years before Jefferson!).
Radishes are a root vegetable that add a pleasant bite (if you like that kind of thing) to salads. They come in a variety of colors including black, purple, red, and white. They are useful as a winter cover or forage crop. Radishes are incredibly easy to grow, with high germination rates and a fast time to harvest.
| Latin Name | Raphanus sativus |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native Range | Southeast Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Edible Vegetable |
Washington received twelve raspberry plants from William Hamilton of Pennsylvania in March of 1792.
Raspberries are a sprawling thorny plant which benefit from a large growing area and the removal of older canes. They produce their first crop of fruit in May and June, and a later crop in August.
| Latin Name | Rubus idaeus |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - July |
| Native Range | Europe, Northern Asia |
| Max Height | 9' |
| Max Spread | 9' |
| Uses |
Edible Hedge |
In 1794 his secretary, Tobias Lear, sent Washington several currant bushes.
Red currants are a small tart fruit best harvested in June. They prefer well-drained soils as well as cool summer climates.
| Latin Name | Ribes rubrum |
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe, Northern Asia |
| Max Height | 9' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit |
| Uses |
Edible |
Date of introduction: 1700
Red Hue is a unique tulip, featuring pointed red petals with green centers.
| Latin Name | Tulipa viridiflora 'Red Hue' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington received rhododendron plants from William Hamilton in March of 1792.
The rhododendron is an evergreen plant with large, lush pinkish purple blossoms in the spring.
| Latin Name | Rhododenron catawbiense 'Roseum Elegans' |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Also Known As | Catawba Rosebay Mountain Rosebay Purple Rhododendron Rosebay |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 8' |
| Uses |
Hedge Flower Border Naturalize |
George Washington planted rhubarb seed in the Botanical Garden in April of 1788.
Rhubarb is an old-fashioned vegetable, grown for its brilliant red stems which are often used in pies and desserts. While its stems are noted for their culinary qualities, its leaves are poisonous and must be removed before cooking.
| Latin Name | Rheum x hybridum |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Jefferson note the hyacinth flowering in his garden diary in April of 1766.
This old-fashioned hyacinth has a sparser, more delicate flower than the modern types, but it is much more likely to stick around in the garden. It resists flopping under its own weight and is known to naturalize.
| Latin Name | Hyancinthus orientalis var. albulus |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Eastern Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Rosa Mundi was introduced during the 16th century. It was known in Virginia by 1742, when Peter Collinson sent plants to John Custis of Williamsburg.
Rosa Mundi is a compact rose which features a profusion of bright striped flowers in the spring. The flowers are fragrant, and this old hardy rose shrugs off most pest problems, making them an easy favorite in the garden.
| Latin Name | Rosa gallica var. officinalis 'Versicolor' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Thomas Jefferson noted in his garden book that the rose campion were blooming in 1767 at Shadwell, his childhood home.
Rose campion features soft silvery mounds of foliage graced with stalks of stunning pink or white flowers in the late spring and early summer. This short-lived perennial or biennial self-seeds readily, forming large colonies if left unchecked.
| Latin Name | Lychnis coronaria |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Also Known As | Bloody William Mullein-pink |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Southeastern Europe |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
John Bartram sent seeds of this hibiscus to England in the mid 1700s.
Shining white flowers are attractive to pollinators and light up the garden. This type of hibiscus is fairly hardy in northern regions.
| Latin Name | Hibiscus moscheutos |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Also Known As | Swamp Rose Mallow Eastern Rose Mallow |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Southern and Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 7' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Rain Garden Flower Border |
Rosemary has been a significant herb for centuries and was used in the middle ages for wedding ceremonies.
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen shrub which is frequently used in cooking. Its pale blue flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
| Latin Name | Rosmarinus officinalis |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Africa, Europe, western Asia |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Edible Herb |
George Washington wrote in March of 1788, "I causd to be sown a bed of Reynold's Turnip rooted Cabbages for the purpose of raising plants to put in my Corn Rows." The phrase "Turnip rooted Cabbages" was commonly used to refer to rutabagas.
Rutabagas are a cool season root vegetable which can also be used as a fall cover crop. The large root is purple and white and the leaves are usually bluish-green. It can be boiled, baked, roasted, or mashed, as well as eaten raw in salads.
| Latin Name | Brassica napus |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native Range | Russia |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Sage was an important kitchen herb and featured in the gardens of many of Washington's contemporaries, including the Moravians at Bethabara and Thomas Jefferson.
Sage is a woody subshrub with silvery green leaves and pale purple flowers that are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. It does best in well-drained, sunny locations. For centuries, sage has been a popular herb for cooking, and is also used as an essential oil.
| Latin Name | Salvia officinalis |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - June |
| Native Range | Mediterranean and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Edible Herb |
On the 23rd of March in 1795, Washington was shipped plants, including 2 sago palms, from the Jamaica Botanic Garden in Leguanea, Jamaica
This is one of the most ancient plants still alive today.
| Latin Name | Cycas revoluta |
| Family | Cycadaceae |
| Also Known As | King Sago |
| Native Range | Southern Japan |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 10' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
Washington was constantly experimenting with sainfoin, but failing.
Sainfoin is a fodder crop that is highly nutritious for livestock and also provides nectar for bees.
| Latin Name | Onobrychis viciifolia |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Crop |
Thomas Jefferson planted salad burnet in his gardens many times, beginning in 1778.
This perennial herb is primarily grown for its flavorful leaves, which are used in salads, soups, and cold drinks. Its flavor is reminiscent of cucumbers, and it may be substituted for mint in many recipes.
| Latin Name | Sanguisorba minor |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Also Known As | Garden Burnet |
| Bloom Season | July - July |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, Asia, Canary Islands |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Edible Herb |
Salsify was a popular colonial vegetable and was grown by Brother August Schubert at Bethabara in 1761.
Salsify is a unique biennial root vegetable with grass-like leaves. In the spring it produces masses of daisy-like purple flowers followed by large seedheads that resemble those of dandelions. The root is said to taste somewhat like oysters and looks like a white carrot.
| Latin Name | Tragopogon porrifolius |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Oyster Plant Jerusalem Star |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Lady Jean Skipwith had these in her garden at Prestwould in Virginia.
This plant is the largest hibiscus grown at Mount Vernon, as well as the longest flowering. Its brilliant red blooms are a bold statement in the summer border. It is native to the swamps and marshes of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
| Latin Name | Hibiscus coccineus |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Also Known As | Texas Star Scarlet Hibiscus Brilliant Hibiscus |
| Bloom Season | June - September |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Rain Garden Water Plant Flower Border |
Thomas Jefferson was growing the Scotch rose at his home in 1791.
Scotch rose is aggressively thorny but makes up for it with a profusion of white blooms. We recommend a thorn-proof hat when working in the vicinity of this rose! It offers a second show in the fall with showy maroon hips.
| Latin Name | Rosa spinosissima |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Seminole squash are spherical to pear-shaped and lightly ribbed with a tan skin. With its sweet, deep orange flesh, this squash is excellent when baked or roasted, and keeps for months (over a year in one MV gardener's pantry!). Named for the native Americans growing it in Florida when the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s, it tolerates heat, drought, insects, and powdery mildew.
| Latin Name | Cucurbita moschata |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Central and northern South America |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Edible |
Date of introduction: 1700
Seventeen Sisters is a multi-flowered daffodil which features many small white flowers with yellow cups held on stiffly upright stems. It is very fragrant.
| Latin Name | Narcissus tazetta 'Avalanche' |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Avalanche |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Scilly Isles |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Plant collector John Bartram of Philadelphia listed Siberian irises in his catalog for 1771 to 1809.
Thick clumps of spiky foliage and bright purple or blue flowers are perfect for mid-border planting. Like their German cousins, these benefit from division so they don't grow hollow in the middle.
| Latin Name | Iris sibirica |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Also Known As | Siberian flag |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Europe and Central Asia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Drought Clay Soil Erosion Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1760
Silver standard is a beautiful tulip, with white petals boldly splashed with pink streaks.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Silver Standard' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Checkered lily was popular in colonial gardens by 1700.
These dainty bell-shaped flowers in shades of maroon and white with faint checkered patterns perch atop slender arching stems. They prefer to be grown in cool moist sites.
| Latin Name | Fritillaria meleagris |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Also Known As | Guinea-hen Flower Leper Lily Checkered Lily |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Thomas Jefferson first observed snapdragons blooming at his childhood home, Shadwell, in 1767.
This colorful cool season annual is a charmer in the middle of the flower border during the spring and fall.
| Latin Name | Antirrhinum majus |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Also Known As | Dragon Flower |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | China and the United States |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
Sneezeweed appeared on John Bartram's plant list in the mid 1700s.
A tall, brash plant with chrome yellow flowers brightens the summer border. Easy to grow, it tolerates a wide variety of conditions, although a haircut in the spring will prevent flopping later.
| Latin Name | Helenium autumnale |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | August - October |
| Native Range | North America |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Clay Soil Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Rain Garden |
Lady Jean Skipwith planted snowdrops in her Virginia garden in 1793.
Sweet white flowers naturalize easily in lawns or garden beds. This early bloomer is known for poking through the snow as early as February.
| Latin Name | Galanthus nivalis |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Dingle-dangles Candlemas Bells Snow Piercer |
| Bloom Season | February - March |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
George Washington planted two catalpas west of the garden houses in March of 1785.
This native plant is a medium deciduous tree with large white flowers in the spring and striking cigar-like seedpods in the fall. It features large heart-shaped leaves.
| Latin Name | Catalpa bignonioides |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Also Known As | Cigartree Indian-bean-tree |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 60' |
| Max Spread | 40' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Deer Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Rain Garden |
In March of 1785, Washington planted magnolias west of the Garden Houses.
An iconic tree of the south, magnolias are beautiful in both form, leaf, and flower. Widely for their fragrant blooms, they also provide winter interest with both their seedpods and shiny evergreen leaves which are often used in wreaths.
| Latin Name | Magnolia grandiflora |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Also Known As | Bull Bay |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 80' |
| Max Spread | 50' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution |
| Uses |
Flowering Tree Shade Tree |
Philadelphia plantsman John Bartram listed this Virginia native for sale in 1770.
Spiderwort has grassy foliage and interesting purple blossoms, but tends to flop after flowering. It does best in shady locations and benefits from a good haircut after blooming.
| Latin Name | Tradescantia virginiana |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Also Known As | Spider Lily |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Washington's Gardener's Report records the gardeners " Digging, Sowing pease, Spinage, & planting Onions" on Feb 4 of 1798 in the garden.
Spinach is a low-growing leafy green which is ideal in salads, but can also be prepared in soups, stews, or as a cooked green. It is a cool season crop, prone to bolting when summer temperatures get too high.
| Latin Name | Spinacea oleracea |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Native Range | Iran |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Vegetable |
On a list dated from 1793, Lady Jean Skipwith of Prestwould Plantation in Clarksville records growing stinking hellebore, or setter wort, in her gardens.
Don’t let the name fool you, as stinking hellebore’s evergreen foliage and clusters of drooping, bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers emerging from pale green bracts are a much-needed spot of color in the winter woodland garden. Established plants will readily self-seed to form colonies if flowers are allowed to dry on the plant. All parts of the stinking hellebore- leaves, stems, and roots, are poisonous.
| Latin Name | Hellebore foetidus |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Also Known As | Bearfoot setter wort dungwort |
| Bloom Season | January - March |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Ground Cover Naturalize |
Lady Jean Skipwith grew two types of stock, which she referred to as 10 week stock and Queens stock, at Prestwould, her Virginia home.
This clove-scented flower flourishes in cool weather and makes an excellent cut flower.
| Latin Name | Matthiola incana |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Brompton Stock Night-scented Stock Ten Week Stock |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Coastal southern and western Europe |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
Winthrop Sargent wrote to Washington in 1798, "I send you a few Seed of the Scarlet Alpine Strawberry which in my Garden produces most excellent Fruit during all the Summer and Autumn and which have not been till lately known to me in America-- for twenty Years I was unsuccessfully essaying to procure it."
These easy to grow and delicious fruits are hardy and vigorous producers.
| Latin Name | Fragaria x ananassa |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Edible |
George Washington planted the seeds of the strawberry bush in a box in front of his greenhouse in April of 1785.
This airy woodland shrub looks unassuming until it sets its brilliant red fruit in the fall, when it earns its many common names.
| Latin Name | Euonymus americanus |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Also Known As | Hearts-a-Bustin Bursting-Heart |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Naturalize |
George Washington planted sugar maples at Mount Vernon, but was generally unsuccessful.
This stately tree is well-known for its fall color and production of maple syrup. It is a tree of northern forests and does not tolerate the heat or humidity of the south.
| Latin Name | Acer saccharum |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Also Known As | Rock Maple |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 80' |
| Max Spread | 60' |
| Tolerances |
Heavy Shade |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Edible |
Washington obtained a summersweet from John Bartram in 1792.
This dense suckering shrub tolerates wet soils and shade. In late summer it bursts into bloom, with long panicles of fragrant white flowers, followed by attractive yellow fall color.
| Latin Name | Clethra alnifolia |
| Family | Clethraceae |
| Also Known As | Sweet Pepperbush |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Tolerances |
Heavy Shade Wet Soil Erosion Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Hedge Naturalize Rain Garden |
They were discovered by the Spanish in the 1500s and were growing in colonial gardens by the 1600s.
These gorgeous native plants bloom in a variety of colors and sizes, including pale yellow, oranges, and golds. Some are grown merely for their beauty while others, such as the Mammoth sunflower, are grown for their seeds.
| Latin Name | Helianthus annuus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | United States and Central America |
| Max Height | 10' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Edible |
Date of Introduction: 1604
The Swan's Neck daffodil is a white daffodil that keeps its flowers bent toward the earth. It is fairly small and should be planted close to the front for the best viewing opportunities.
| Latin Name | Narcissus moschatus |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | March - April |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Plantsman Bernard McMahon listed Sweet Alysson in his 1802 catalog.
Dense mounds of tiny fragrant white flowers form a spreading carpet under large perennials and annuals in the spring border.
| Latin Name | Lobularia maritima |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweet Alysson |
| Bloom Season | April - June |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
George Washington planted sweet potatoes at Muddy Hole in April of 1787.
Sweet potatoes are vigorous, running plants that will easily exceed their allotted space in the garden if not kept under control. They should be grown in mounds, much the way one would grow potatoes. They are extremely cold sensitive and should be planted after the soil has warmed in the spring and harvested before the first frost in the fall.
| Latin Name | Ipomoea batatas |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Also Known As | Yam |
| Native Range | Indonesia |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 10' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Vegetable |
They were introduced to European gardens in the 12th by Carthusian monks and by the mid 1700s they were popular in colonial America.
This old-fashioned biennial with its cheerful pink and white blossoms in the late spring is a mainstay of cottage gardens.
| Latin Name | Dianthus barbatus |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Also Known As | Gillyflower |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
An entry in Thomas Jefferson's diary for April 30, 1774 mentions sowing “white beet,” another named for leaf-beet or Swiss Chard.
Swiss chard is a leafy green that can be harvested continually to be used in salads or cooked. Its leaves may be plain green or have red midribs.
| Latin Name | Beta vulgaris var. cicla |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Also Known As | Silver Beet Perpetual Spinach Leaf Beet |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Ornamental Edible |
While sycamores are native to the Mid-Atlantic region, Washington doesn’t record growing them, except when writing to his farm manager about their use in living fences. He does include an Asian variety in his list of plants ordered in March of 1792 from nurseryman John Bartram .
On a winter's day, the sight of the sycamore's bright white trunk against a blue sky is breathtaking. This tree can grow to massive proportions when well-sited and should be given plenty of space, especially since they can be messy.
| Latin Name | Platanus occidentalis |
| Family | Platanaceae |
| Also Known As | American Plane Tree Buttonwood |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Eastern and central United States |
| Max Height | 100' |
| Max Spread | 100' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Rain Garden |
Historically, tansy was grown for its medicinal properties, which included treating rheumatism, fevers, sores, intestinal worms, and other digestive problems. It can also be used as an insect repellent. Thomas Jefferson was growing it in his kitchen garden at Monticello.
Tansy is a tough plant that can grow in almost any sunny spot. While its ferny foliage and clusters of cheerful yellow button flowers are attractive, it can be invasive due to its underground runners and propensity to re-seed.
| Latin Name | Tanacetum vulgare |
| Family | Asteracea |
| Also Known As | Common tansy Bitter buttons Cow bitter |
| Native Range | Temperate Eurasia |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
While legend has it that a young George cut down a cherry tree, this is a myth which originated in a biography written by Mason Locke Weems just after Washington's death. As an adult, Washington was growing cherry trees on his estate as early as 1760, grafting and planting many through the years. On January 6, 1798, his gardener’s report records “Pruning & Fastening Cherry trees on the Wall” of the Upper Garden.
Cherry tree species grown primarily for fruit production bloom later than the ornamental varieties. Tart cherries perform best in the humid climate of Virginia's coastal region.
| Latin Name | Prunus cerasus Montmorency |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Europe, southwest Asia |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 30' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree |
George Washington requested that Clement Biddle procure a bushel of "Ground Pease, or pindars, as they are called" for him in February of 1798.
Peanuts are small leguminous plants with many bright yellow flowers. They form their fruits underground and they should be harvested in the fall when the plant begins to yellow.
| Latin Name | Arachis hypogaea |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Goober Pindars (Pendars) Groundnut |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Tropical South America |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
Featuring airy foliage and golden flowers, this native plant is an attractive addition to the front of the border. It spreads by runners and is easily divided to share with your friends and neighbors. It is native to Fairfax County, Virginia.
| Latin Name | Coreopsis verticillata |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Pot-of-Gold Threadleaf Tickseed Whorled Tickseed |
| Bloom Season | June - September |
| Native Range | Eastern and Central North America |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Brother Lung of the Moravian settlement of Bethabara had thyme planted in his upland garden in 1759.
A small, woody sub-shrub, thyme has aromatic leaves and whorls of pink flowers in early summer. It is popularly used as an edging and between stones in walkways. It is also an excellent culinary herb.
| Latin Name | Thymus vulgaris |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Edible Herb |
Lady Jean Skipwith planted tiger lilies in her Virginia garden in 1793.
This summer blooming perennial has strap-like leaves and large orange flowers. Because it naturalizes easily, this daylily can be commonly seen in roadside ditches and marking the sites of old outhouses.
| Latin Name | Hemerocallis fulva |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Also Known As | Ditch Lily Tawny Daylily Outhouse Lily |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | China or Japan |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Clay Soil Drought Dry Soil Erosion Rabbit |
| Uses |
Naturalize Flower Border |
Washington wrote to George Augustine Washington regarding the planting of tobacco in 1789, saying, "Although a precise number of Tobacco Hills is, by my general directions, allotted to each Plantation yet my real intention is, that no more ground shall be appropriated to this Crop than what is either naturally very good (for which purpose small spots may be chosen) or which can be made strong by manure of some kind or another for my object is to labour for profit, and therefore to substitute quality instead of quantity there being (except in the article of manuring) no difference between attending a good Plant and an indifferent one—but in any event let the precise number of hills be ascertained that an estimate may be formed of their yield to the thousand."
This plant is used for the production of its leaves, which provide the tobacco which goes into cigarettes, cigars and other forms. It can also be used as an ornamental, with its dramatic height and delicate pink flowers
| Latin Name | Nicotiana tabacum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | Cultivated |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Crop |
Date of introduction: 1769
Tournesol Red and Yellow is a short double tulip that does well at the front of the flower border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Tournesol Red and Yellow' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington recorded in his diary on January 12, 1785 that he "Road to my Mill Swamp, where my Dogue run hands were at work & to other places in search of the sort of Trees I shall want for my walks, groves, & Wildernesses." Among those trees were the tulip poplars that are located in the Bowling Green just outside the Upper and Lower Garden gates, which he found in the area that is now the Pioneer Farmer site.
One of the largest native trees in North America, the tulip poplar can reach heights of 150 feet in nature. It is actually a member of the magnolia family, and named for its distinct tulip-shaped leaves and flowers. These showy, goblet-shaped, orange-yellow-green flowers appear in late spring after the leaves, although on a mature specimen they can be hard to see.
| Latin Name | Liriodendron tulipifera |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Also Known As | Tulip tree White poplar Whitewood |
| Native Range | Deciduous forests of Eastern US |
| Max Height | 90' |
| Max Spread | 50' |
| Uses |
Shade Tree |
In November of 1785, George Washington wrote in his diary, "Finished digging my Summer Turnips and putting them in a Cellar."
Turnips are a cool season root vegetable. They produce a large purple and white bulbous taproot which have historically been a winter staple. They can be roasted, mashed, or eaten raw.
| Latin Name | Brassica rapa var. rapa |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Date of introduction: 1597
Twin Sisters lives up to its name, with each stem bearing two small white and yellow flowers.
| Latin Name | Narcissus x medioluteus |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Cemetary Ladies Primrose Peerless |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Western France |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
The earliest recorded use of valerian was by Hippocrates in the 4th century BC.
This umbelliferous perennial is attractive to bees and other pollinators. It is mildly fragrant. Valerian is an excellent addition to the back of the garden and it reseeds readily.
| Latin Name | Valeriana officinalis |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Also Known As | Garden Heliotrope |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Europe, Western Asia |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Herb |
Date of introduction: 1620
Van Sion is a bright yellow daffodil streaked with green. It is double, with many softly pointed petals.
| Latin Name | Narcissus telamonius plenus |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
In 1734, plantsman John Custis of Williamsburg sent some Virginia bluebell rhizomes to his friend Peter Collinson in London.
A harbinger of spring, emerging foliage is deep purple but quickly turns green, and is followed by terminal clusters of pendulous, trumpet-shaped blue flowers. Virginia bluebells will rapidly colonize in moist shady areas. They are herbaceous perennials, which means that foliage dies to the ground as the plant goes dormant towards mid-summer.
| Latin Name | Mertensia virginica |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Also Known As | Cowslip |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Washington notes in his diary on March 22nd of 1785 that he "Planted the intermediate holes round the Walk in the Wilderness on the right and filled the spaces between with young Pines."
Virginia pines add a distinctive profile to the landscape, particularly in winter, when they are a bright spot among all the grays and browns. This medium sized pine tree provides habitat for birds, and were used for pine tar, as well as lumber.
| Latin Name | Pinus virginiana |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Also Known As | Jersey Pine Scrub Pine |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 20' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Shade Tree |
George Washington ordered several Virginia sweetspires from John Bartram in 1792.
This semi-evergreen shrub is native to wetland areas and has an arching habit. Fragrant white flowers appear in summer followed by beautiful maroon foliage in autumn.
| Latin Name | Itea virginica |
| Family | Iteaceae |
| Also Known As | Virginia Willow Tasselwhite |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Tolerances |
Heavy Shade Erosion Clay Soil Wet Soil Deer |
| Uses |
Rain Garden |
In October of 1786, Washington wrote of harvesting some of his corn for plantation use.
Virginia White Gourdseed corn is an exceptionally tall variety that produces very firm kernels which are best suited to milling or use as a feed corn.
| Latin Name | Zea Mays |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native Range | Mexico |
| Max Height | 12' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Annual Crop Edible Vegetable |
They have been grown in English gardens since the late 1500s and were popular in colonial gardens by the beginning of the 18th century.
Wallflowers are a charming spring bloomer of exceptional hardiness. With yellow and red flowers, this cheerful annual adds vibrancy to the front and middle of the flower border.
| Latin Name | Erysimum cheiri |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - June |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Dry Soil Drought Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1760
Wapen van Leiden is a lovely white tulip brushed with pink. It is well suited to the middle of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Wapen van Leiden' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
On May 5th, 1788 George Washington recorded the planting of "water mellen" seeds in his diary.
Watermelon plants are vigorous, vining plants which need to be given quite a bit of space to ramble in. They produce large melons of varying sizes and colors, depending on the variety.
| Latin Name | Citrullus lanatus |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Namibia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
Washington constructed two mounds planted with weeping willows on either side of the gate onto the bowling green. Unfortunately, the cultural requirements of weeping willows do not favor this sort of environment.
Classically planted in moist areas such as lakes and ponds, this elegant tree should be given plenty of room and planted well away from structures.
| Latin Name | Salix babylonica |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Also Known As | Babylon Willow |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Northern China |
| Max Height | 80' |
| Max Spread | 50' |
| Tolerances |
Wet Soil Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Rain Garden |
The leaves of the mulberry tree have been used in China since at least 2600 B.C. as the primary diet for silkworms, and during colonial times the trees were introduced into North America in an effort to establish a silk industry. Washington received 100 white mulberry trees from Aspinwalls Nursery in Connecticut, which he instructed his farm manager, Anthony Whitting, to “plant about in clumps.”
Mulberry trees can be found throughout North America in fencerows, abandoned fields, and urban areas, due to the propensity for their seeds to be spread by birds who ravenously feed on the fruit. The glossy, serrated leaves take different forms on the same tree, generally undivided or distinctly lobed, and the inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in drooping catkins on female trees give way to edible blackberry-like fruits that mature in June.
| Latin Name | Morus alba |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Also Known As | Mulberry |
| Bloom Season | March - April |
| Native Range | China |
| Max Height | 50' |
| Max Spread | 50' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
During Washington's day, white oak was a valuable lumber used for barrels, posts, and other building materials.
White oaks are well known for their distinctive silhouette. They are massive trees which provide excellent shade as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. Their acorns are especially attractive to deer and squirrels.
| Latin Name | Quercus alba |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 80' |
| Max Spread | 80' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Clay Soil Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Street Tree Naturalize |
The White Rose of York is the symbol of the House of York, who famously fought in the War of the Roses. This rose has been known in cultivation since the 1600s.
The White Rose of York is a large rose with elegant white flowers in the late spring and early summer. It is prone to sprawling and can be tied to posts or trellises to help keep it in check. This rose's beautiful white flowers are followed by rose hips which take on a gorgeous color in the fall.
| Latin Name | Rosa x alba 'Semi-Plena' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 9' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
John Bartram of Philadelphia offered wild bergamot for sale in his 1770 catalog.
A more delicate species than its red-flowered cousin, bergamot has lovely lavender flowers and a more graceful look. It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
| Latin Name | Monarda fistulosa |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Bee balm |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | North America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Clay Soil Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border Herb Naturalize Rain Garden |
William Faris planted these in his Maryland garden in 1790.
Wild columbines have dainty red and yellow flowers on long stems above clumps of bright green foliage. They self-seed reliably to form vigorous naturalized colonies.
| Latin Name | Aquilegia canadensis |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Also Known As | Eastern Red Columbine Canadian Columbine |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Dry Soil Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
George Washington planted bird peppers in June of 1785.
Bird peppers are large plants, easily growing to 6 feet over the course of a season. They thrive in the heat of the year and produce masses of tiny red peppers with a lot of heat and excellent flavor.
| Latin Name | Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | Central America |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
John Custis of Williamsburg received them from Collinson, an English plant collector, in 1739.
This unusual early bulb offers small sunny yellow flowers in March when little else is blooming. In southern zones they benefit from light shade.
| Latin Name | Eranthis hyemalis |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Bloom Season | March - April |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington was producing rye at most of his farms.
This common cereal grain is used in distilling, as animal fodder, for cooking, and is also used as a cover crop.
| Latin Name | Secale cereale |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Turkey |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Edible Crop |
In a January 1785 diary entry, Washington remarked, "I discovered in tracing it upwards many small & thriving plants of the Magnolio and about & within the Fence, not far distant, some young Maple Trees; & the red berry of the Swamp."
Winterberry is a relatively insignificant woodland plant until its brilliant red berries light up the winter landscape. It is a native shrub of eastern wetlands and provides excellent habitat for songbirds.
| Latin Name | Ilex verticillata |
| Family | Aquifoleaceae |
| Also Known As | Swamp Holly Brook Alder |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 12' |
| Max Spread | 12' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Clay Soil Erosion Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Hedge Rain Garden |
Lady Jean Skipwith grew woodland phlox at her Virginia plantation in 1793.
A native of the eastern U.S., this spreading woodland plant has sweet blue flowers, which look wonderful at the front of the spring border. They bloom at the same time as tulips, violas, and other early spring ephemerals.
| Latin Name | Phlox divaricata |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Also Known As | Wild Sweet William |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Deer Drought Dry Soil Heavy Shade |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
According to historical accounts, in 1784 George Washington discovered a yellow buckeye tree with rose-colored flowers near what is now Morgantown, West Virginia. On April 13, 1785 he wrote in his diary "Planted & Sowed in boxes placed in front of the Green House the following things—Box No. 1 partition No. 1 Six buck eye nuts, brought with me from the Mouth of Cheat River; they were much dried & shrivelled—but had been steeped 24 hours in water". The seedlings were eventually planted around the grounds and shrubberies of Mount Vernon and several survived well into the 20th century. While our tree on the Bowling Green was not planted during Washington’s lifetime, it may be a descendant from one of the original trees. Charles S. Sargent, who was Director of Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum for over 50 years, and a long time advisor to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, was known to have replaced a number of Washington era trees with offspring of the originals.
The yellow buckeye is a large deciduous shade tree. Susceptible to leaf scorch in full sun, it is best planted in an area with afternoon shade. Despite their showy flowers produced in upright clusters measuring up to 6 inches tall, they are most commonly known for their large mahogany-colored nuts, which historically were pocketed by mid-westerners as a lucky token. Our tree, believed to be a descendant of seeds collected by Washington, is a variety with red, rather than yellow, blooms.
| Latin Name | Aesculus octandra var. virginicus |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 75' |
| Max Spread | 50' |
| Uses |
Shade Tree |
John Custis sent bush squash seeds to Peter Collinson in 1741.
Crookneck squash grow in a dense, leafy clump and produce many yellow squashes which need to be harvested nearly every day. They are susceptible to most squash pests, including squash bugs, powdery mildew, and squash vine borers.
| Latin Name | Cucurbita pepo |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Also Known As | Summer Squash |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | North America |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
In December of 1787, Washington sent a bundle of cuttings of the golden willow to George Weedon.
Yellow willows are often used as hedges and screens. They can be repeatedly cut down to encourage a bushy habit which shows off their flashy golden stems.
| Latin Name | Salix alba var. vitellina |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Also Known As | Golden Willow |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe, Northern Africa, and Central Asia |
| Max Height | 70' |
| Max Spread | 50' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Erosion Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Hedge Rain Garden |
