Hemp

Planted at Mount Vernon

Pioneer Farm

Hardiness Zones

Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

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

Type of Plant

Annuals

Crops

Bloom Season

July - September

Seasons

Summer

Specifications

Max Height: 10'

Max Spread: 3'

Uses

Crop

Herb

Sunlight Exposure

Full Sun

Attracted Wildlife

Butterflies

Toxicity

Harmful to pets

Colors

Native Range

Eastern Asia

History

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).

Other Details

Pollinator

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.

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