View Larger Asparagus

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Lower Garden Upper Garden

  • Lower Garden
  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    3 3 4 4b 5 5b 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b 9 9b 10 10b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

    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


    Type of Plant

    Perennials Perennials
    Vegetables Vegetables

    Seasons

    Spring Spring

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 4'
    Max spread Max Spread: 2'

    Uses

  • Vegetable
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Rabbit

  • Colors


    Native Range

    North and South America


    History

    George Washington was growing asparagus in his south (lower) garden in 1785.


    Other Details

    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

    Shop Now
    Login
    Buy Tickets Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
    Estate Hours

    9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    iconDirections & Parking
    buy tickets online & save