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
Type of Plant
Tropical
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 20'
Max Spread: 15'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Tolerances
Toxicity
Do not ingest
Skin irritant
Colors
Native Range
Tropical America
History
Washington planted jatropha in 1785 and knew of its purgative qualities.
Other Details
Grown by Washington
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
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