The four primary Indigenous nations of North America typically refer to the Iroquois, the Algonquians, the Sioux, and the Pueblo peoples. While each of these nations had unique agricultural practices and crops specific to their regions, they did share some crops in common, notably:
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Maize (Corn): This was a staple crop for many Indigenous nations and was central to their diets and culture.
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Beans: Often planted alongside maize in a companion planting system known as "Three Sisters," beans provided essential proteins and nutrients.
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Squash: Like beans, squash was commonly grown and also formed part of the "Three Sisters" gardening method, providing various nutrients and contributing to soil health.
Other crops that some Indigenous nations may have cultivated included certain varieties of peppers, tomatoes, and wild rice, but maize, beans, and squash are the most notable crops that have strong cultural and agricultural significance across multiple Indigenous groups.