An Analysis of Pollen Recovered from the Greenhouse at Wye House Plantation, Maryland

Author(s): Heather Trigg; Susan Jacobucci

Year: 2010

Summary

Nineteen soil samples from a historic greenhouse and slave quarter context located at the Wye House Plantation in Maryland were submitted to the Fiske Center for palynological analysis. Over 120 distinct taxa were identified, including many ornamental taxa such as Hibiscus sp. (Hibiscus) and Citrus sp. (lemons, limes and oranges) as well as a full spectrum of ambient pollen rain. Analysis of samples from the slave quarters suggested the possible utilization and/or consumption of plants such as arrowhead (Sagitteria sp.), European cereals and maize (Zea mays), as well as plants belonging to the Musaceae (Banana), Rosaceae (Rose) and Brassicaceae (Mustard and Cabbage) families.

Cite this Record

An Analysis of Pollen Recovered from the Greenhouse at Wye House Plantation, Maryland. Heather Trigg, Susan Jacobucci. Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research Cultural Management Study ,38. Boston, Massachusetts: University of Massachusetts Boston. 2010 ( tDAR id: 367865) ; doi:10.6067/XCV8NS0RTM

Keywords

Culture
African American • Euroamerican • Historic

Material
Pollen

Site Name
Wye House Plantation

Site Type
Agricultural or Herding • Greenhouse • Historic Structure

Investigation Types
Environment Research

General
Garden Archaeology • Greenhouse Site • Landscape Reconstruction • Palynological Analysis • Slave / Tenant Quarters

Temporal Keywords
Historic

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 1780 to 1900

Spatial Coverage

min long: -76.2; min lat: 38.827 ; max long: -76.154; max lat: 38.861 ;

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Mark P. Leone

Notes

General Note: Report embargoed at the request of Project Director Mark Leone as further archaeological research at this site is still underway.

File Information

  Name Size Creation Date Date Uploaded Access
fiske38_wyehs_pollenocr.pdf 3.03mb Oct 5, 2011 12:57:38 PM Public