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

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.