Natural - Page 3 of 3
Cherry pit fragment.
Organic | Object #: 1881257
Burnt cherry pit fragment. Latin name: Prunus sp. There are many species of wild cherries that are native to Virginia, however English varieties were grown and eaten in Virginia as well. Wild cherries were used for medicinal purposes. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanica...
Explore This Item
Persimmon seeds, 10 complete, 15 fragments.
Organic | Object #: 1881301
10 complete and 15 fragments of burnt persimmon seeds. 2 seeds were destroyed during identification. original total count is 27. Latin name: Diospyros virginiana. Persimmon seeds were the most common type of seed found in the House for Families. They were also present in the South Grove Midden ...
Explore This Item
35 complete oat seeds.
Organic | Object #: 1885252
35 complete burnt oat seeds. Latin name: Avena sativa. Oats were brought to American by the Europeans early in the colonial period. They were extensively cultivated at Mount Vernon especially after 1760 when Washington transitioned from tobacco to cereal grains as the main cash crop. (Mcknight...
Explore This Item
Cotton seed, two fragments
Organic | Object #: 1885302
Two burnt cotton seed fragments. Latin name: Gossypium. Cotton was a minor crop in Northern Virginia during Washington's time. These seeds suggest that Washington was growing cotton. The presence of cotton seeds in the House For Families may be evidence of processing cotton bolls for fibre...
Explore This Item
Complete huckleberry seed.
Organic | Object #: 1885324
One complete burnt huckleberry seed. Latin name: Gaylussacia sp. Huckleberries are native to North America and wild huckleberries were gathered in Virginia. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s Mount Ve...
Explore This Item
Cotton seed, two fragments.
Organic | Object #: 1885353
Two burnt cotton seed fragments. Latin name: Gossypium. Cotton was a minor crop in Northern Virginia during Washington's time. These seeds suggest that Washington was growing cotton. The presence of cotton seeds in the House For Families may be evidence of processing cotton bolls for fibre...
Explore This Item
plum seed fragment.
Organic | Object #: 1885361
One plum seed fragment. Latin name: Prunus sp. Some species of plum were native to North America but the plums grown by Washington,"Greenage Plums", were imported from Europe. Plums were eaten fresh and preserved. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains R...
Explore This Item
Two complete grape seeds.
Organic | Object #: 1885376
Two complete burnt grape seeds. Latin name: Vitis sp. Washington grew both grapes native to Eastern North America and Europe in attempt to establish a wine industry at Mount Vernon. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. " A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at Ge...
Explore This Item
common bean, three fragments.
Organic | Object #: 1885406
three burnt fragments of common bean. Latin name: Phaseolus vulgaris. European colonists adopted cultivation of common bean from the Native Americans. Washington cultivated a variety of beans. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Fami...
Explore This Item
Two cowpea fragments.
Organic | Object #: 1885415
Two burnt cowpea fragments. Latin name: Vigna sp. Cowpeas are native to Africa and were brought to North America at the same time as the slave trade in the 17th century. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washing...
Explore This Item
Two hazel nut fragments.
Organic | Object #: 1885511
Two burnt hazel nut fragments. Latin name: Corylus sp. Hazel trees were native to the northern hemisphere and Colonists brought European varieties to North America. Hazel nuts were used to treat wounds and to expel parasites. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remain...
Explore This Item
Complete poke seed.
Organic | Object #: 1885517
One complete burnt poke seed. Latin name: Phytolacca americana. Pokeweed is a toxic plant that has emetic properties. Young shoots have are less toxic and were used as a potherb. Poke was used medicinally for its emetic, cathartic, alterative, and deobstruent properties. (McKnight, Justine W. ...
Explore This Item
One raspberry/blueberry seed.
Organic | Object #: 1885524
one burnt raspberry/blueberry seed. Latin name: Rubus sp. There are many wild raspberry/blueberry varieties native to North America, however other varieties were brought from Europe and hybridized with the native plants. They were eaten fresh and preserved and were abundant and favoured. They ...
Explore This Item
Complete common bean.
Organic | Object #: 1885526
one complete burnt common bean. Latin name: Phaseolus vulgaris. European colonists adopted cultivation of common bean from the Native Americans. Washington cultivated a variety of beans. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families ...
Explore This Item
one cowpea, two fragments.
Organic | Object #: 1885528
One burnt cowpea in two pieces. Latin name: Vigna sp. Cowpeas are native to Africa and were brought to North America at the same time as the slave trade in the 17th century. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Was...
Explore This Item
Black walnut, 11 fragments.
Organic | Object #: 1885534
11 burnt black walnut fragments. Latin name: Juglans nigra. Black Walnut trees are native to North America and were common in natural forests and planned landscapes. Black walnut wood was strong and preferred for fine woodworking such as for furniture. Both the nuts and sap were eaten fresh and...
Explore This Item