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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

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Lower Garden Upper Garden

  • Lower Garden
  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

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

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

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

    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.

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