Smoke Camp Crafts: Honoring the Land with Native North American Seeds

Whether you're looking to create a pollinator garden, grow traditional medicinal herbs, or support biodiversity in your region, our seeds offer a direct connection to the land and the ecosystems that have sustained life here for centuries.

With 19 varieties and counting, each seed we offer contributes to preserving the unique flora of North America.

Our Commitment to Native Plants and Seeds

Smoke Camp Crafts began in the rolling hills of West Virginia, where founder Dot Mongillion started her homestead and business in a historic 1800s cabin at the end of Smoke Camp Road. What began as a tea and jelly company evolved into a seed-saving, plant-sharing farm focused on sustainability, education, and stewardship of native plant species.

Dot’s early work with the USDA and her time spent with renowned herbalist Dr. James Duke introduced her to the powerful world of ethnobotany—the study of how people use native plants for food, medicine, and ceremony. This background continues to inform our approach, but our current focus is on promoting the ecological importance of North American native plants, regardless of cultural origin.

Our seed collection represents a botanical legacy—one that supports pollinators, improves soil health, and offers home growers the chance to participate in land regeneration efforts.

Explore Our Native Seed Collection

Our native seed collection features wildflowers, perennials, and beneficial herbs that are indigenous to North America. All our seeds are untreated, and many are grown using organic practices. Whether you’re planting in your own garden, starting a community greenspace, or restoring a native habitat, these seeds provide real environmental value.

Some of the native plants we currently offer include:

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) – Known for its vibrant red seed clusters and drought tolerance, this shrub supports wildlife and has been traditionally used in teas and natural dyeing.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) – A southeastern U.S. native prized for its striking blooms and calming herbal properties.

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) – An essential plant for monarch butterflies and a standout addition to any pollinator garden.

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) – With vivid orange blooms, this native favorite attracts butterflies and bees and thrives in dry, sunny conditions.

Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) – A fragrant plant loved by pollinators and often used in herbal teas for its flavor and soothing properties.

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) – This sweet, licorice-scented native herb is a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) – Tall and graceful, it’s often found in wet meadows and supports a variety of native insects.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – With its bright red flowers, this hummingbird favorite grows well in moist areas.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – A staple of native gardens, known for its resilience and widely appreciated for its herbal properties.

Browneyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) – A cheerful native wildflower that adds long-lasting color and habitat value.

Poke Berries (Phytolacca americana) – This bold plant is appreciated for its dye properties and its role in traditional folk uses (note: parts are toxic unless properly prepared).

Ironweed (Vernonia spp.) – A tall, striking wildflower that’s essential for pollinators and well-suited for naturalized plantings.

Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana) – A climbing vine with elegant white flowers, perfect for trellises and hedgerows.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) – This aromatic shrub offers fragrant leaves and berries and supports the spicebush swallowtail butterfly.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) – North America’s largest native fruit tree, offering a sweet, custardy fruit and valued for both culinary and conservation purposes.

Each plant we offer plays a role in restoring native plant communities that have been displaced by development and monoculture. By planting them, you support the return of beneficial insects, native birds, and healthy soil systems.

Supporting Regenerative Agriculture & Local Communities

Selling native seeds is just one part of our broader mission at Smoke Camp Crafts. We're dedicated to fostering environmental and community resilience through a variety of initiatives:

Seed-Saving Partnerships – We work with local farmers and growers to preserve genetic diversity in native plant species across Appalachia.

Pay-What-You-Can Farm Stand – Everyone deserves access to healthy plants and food, regardless of income.

Employment Opportunities – Our farm supports full-time staff who are passionate about plants, community, and education.

Urban Herb Library – We maintain a living collection of native and naturalized herbs in an educational garden setting.

Ethical Wild Harvesting – We purchase seasonal herbs like poke and dandelion from local foragers using responsible harvesting methods.

Why Native Seeds Matter

Native plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They’re naturally adapted to local soils and climates, require less water and maintenance, and provide crucial habitat for wildlife. By planting native seeds, you help rebuild a resilient, regionally appropriate landscape that benefits both people and nature.

Whether you’re growing milkweed to attract monarchs, spicebush to feed native caterpillars, or coneflower for your home apothecary, these plants offer more than beauty—they offer purpose.

Grow the Legacy with Smoke Camp Crafts

Every packet of seeds from Smoke Camp Crafts supports our vision of a world more in harmony with the natural systems that sustain it. We hand-pack all of our seeds right here on our West Virginia farm, and we’re always available to offer growing tips and share the stories behind each plant.

Explore our full selection of native North American seeds and help us grow gardens that are beautiful, ecologically rich, and rooted in place.

Smoke Camp Crafts: Growing Native, Living Local, Sharing Traditions.