The four primary indigenous nations of North America—often referred to as the "Four Sisters" in many cultures—include the Iroquois, the Cherokee, the Sioux, and the Pueblo. While each of these nations had their own unique agricultural practices and regional crops, they all commonly cultivated certain staple crops, particularly:
- Corn (Maize) - A significant staple across many indigenous cultures, corn was used for food, tools, and ceremonial purposes.
- Beans - Various types of beans were grown, which complemented corn nutritionally when eaten together.
- Squash - This included different varieties like summer squash and pumpkins, which were often grown alongside corn and beans in a polyculture system.
- Sunflowers - These were grown for their seeds, which provided a valuable food source and oil.
These crops are often referred to collectively as the "Three Sisters," with corn, beans, and squash forming a companion planting system that maximized yields and soil health. Sunflowers were also an important crop for various tribes, though they are not always grouped with the Three Sisters.