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

At Smoke Camp Crafts, we believe that growing native plants is more than just a gardening decision—it’s a way to restore ecological balance, celebrate the natural heritage of North America, and reconnect with the land in a meaningful way. Our curated collection of native seeds features plant species that are indigenous to North America, selected for their ecological benefits, resilience, and historical significance.

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.

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Wildflower Seeds from Smoke Camp Crafts
A Legacy of Beauty and Biodiversity

At Smoke Camp Crafts, every packet of wildflower seeds carries more than color and fragrance—it carries a story. Founded in 1978 by Dot Montgillion, our company has always embraced the harmony between cultivated gardens and the wild landscapes of Appalachia. Dot’s passion for botany, inspired by her years at the USDA and her work alongside Dr. James Duke, extended beyond vegetables and herbs. She recognized the essential role wildflowers play in maintaining biodiversity, feeding pollinators, and enriching the soil.

Today, Smoke Camp Crafts continues her vision by offering a diverse collection of wildflower seeds for sale, carefully selected to bring beauty, resilience, and ecological value to your home garden, meadow, or restoration project.

Why Plant Wildflowers?

Wildflowers are nature’s gift to gardeners, farmers, and pollinators alike. Unlike conventional ornamentals, they thrive with minimal care, adapt to their native environments, and return year after year when planted thoughtfully. Choosing native wildflower seeds supports local ecosystems by providing food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and songbirds.

Planting perennial wildflower seeds also creates long-lasting displays of color that come back season after season. Many of our varieties are also open-pollinated, allowing you to save seeds and continue the cycle for years to come.

Whether you’re restoring a prairie, establishing a pollinator garden, or simply brightening your backyard, our wildflower seeds offer the perfect blend of heritage, beauty, and sustainability.

The Smoke Camp Crafts Difference

1. Seeds with a Story
Our wildflower collection is rooted in the same 1800s cabin on Smoke Camp Road where Dot began experimenting with plants nearly 50 years ago. That cabin, still standing today, represents a tradition of stewardship and innovation. Every packet of wildflower seeds for sale reflects her belief that gardens are living expressions of history, ecology, and creativity.

2. Native Wildflower Seeds for Local Ecosystems
We believe that true sustainability starts with planting what belongs. That’s why we offer a wide variety of native wildflower seeds—plants that have thrived in North American soils long before industrial agriculture reshaped the land. By choosing native species like Milkweed, Bee Balm, or Coneflowers, you help strengthen local food chains and preserve regional biodiversity.

3. Perennial Wildflower Seeds for Lasting Beauty
Annuals have their charm, but perennials anchor a garden. Our perennial wildflower seeds ensure reliable blooms year after year. Once established, these plants return stronger with each passing season, weaving resilience and continuity into your landscape.

4. A Diverse Collection
From the delicate blossoms of Yarrow to the bold reds of Cardinal Flower, our catalog celebrates variety. Some species, like Black-eyed Susans and Evening Primrose, are beloved classics. Others, such as Love Lies Bleeding or Spider Flower, bring unusual textures and stories to your garden.

Featured Wildflower Seeds

Here are just a few highlights from our collection of wildflower seeds for sale:

  • Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias syriaca, tuberosa, incarnata) – Essential host plants for Monarch butterflies and a cornerstone of pollinator gardens.
  • Bee Balm Seeds (Monarda fistulosa) – A native perennial that draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with its vibrant blossoms.
  • Yarrow Seeds (Achillea millefolium) – Hardy, drought-tolerant perennials valued for both their beauty and their herbal uses.
  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – An iconic wildflower with medicinal roots and striking purple petals.
  • Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta, triloba) – Bright yellow blooms that bring cheer to any landscape and support countless pollinators.
  • Evening Primrose Seeds (Oenothera biennis) – A biennial known for its evening-blooming flowers and historical medicinal applications.
  • Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – A native stunner with scarlet-red spikes, irresistible to hummingbirds.
  • Joe Pye Weed Seeds (Eutrochium fistulosum) – Tall perennials that attract swallowtails, bees, and migrating butterflies.
  • Cornflower, Blue Seeds (Centaurea cyanus) – A classic cut flower, excellent for dried arrangements and wild borders.

Every variety is carefully harvested, packaged, and shipped with the same attention to detail that Dot instilled in the company from the very beginning.

Ecological and Cultural Importance of Wildflowers

Wildflowers are more than pretty faces. For centuries, they have been sources of medicine, dyes, and folklore. At Smoke Camp Crafts, we celebrate both their ecological role and their cultural history. For example:

  • Yarrow was used by Native peoples for wound care.
  • Echinacea has long been prized for immune support.
  • Love Lies Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) was cultivated as a food source in the Andes.

By planting our native wildflower seeds, you’re participating in a tradition that spans generations and continents. You’re also ensuring that bees, butterflies, and birds have reliable sources of nectar, pollen, and shelter.

Tips for Planting Wildflower Seeds

Planting wildflowers doesn’t require a green thumb—just a bit of care and patience. Here are some tips to get started:

Choose the Right Mix – Select species suited to your region and goals. If you want long-term blooms, prioritize perennial wildflower seeds.

Prepare the Soil – Clear weeds and loosen the soil for optimal germination.

Broadcast and Cover Lightly – Scatter seeds evenly and gently rake them into the soil. Most wildflowers need light to germinate, so avoid planting too deeply.

Water Wisely – Keep soil moist until seedlings establish. Afterward, many wildflowers are drought-tolerant.

Be Patient – Perennials may take a season or two to bloom fully, but the wait is worth it.

Rooted in Our Core Values

Our wildflower program reflects Smoke Camp Crafts’ core values:

Alternative Systems – Encouraging ecological gardening as an alternative to chemical-heavy lawns.

Strength of Community – Sharing seeds strengthens connections among neighbors and gardeners.

Regenerative Production – Growing wildflower seeds for sale with methods that restore the land.

Historical Preservation – Honoring traditions by keeping heritage species in circulation.

Bring Wild Beauty to Your Garden

When you choose Smoke Camp Crafts, you’re not just buying wildflower seeds for sale—you’re investing in biodiversity, resilience, and beauty. Our native wildflower seeds and perennial wildflower seeds offer a natural, low-maintenance way to transform spaces into thriving habitats.

From small garden patches to large meadows, wildflowers bring life, color, and movement that no ornamental monoculture can replicate. With every seed you plant, you join Dot’s legacy of honoring the land, cherishing history, and cultivating beauty for generations to come.

Vegetable Seeds from Smoke Camp Crafts
A Legacy Rooted in the Soil

Smoke Camp Crafts is more than just a place to find vegetable seeds for sale—it is a living legacy born from the curiosity, creativity, and resilience of our founder, Dot Montgillion (1928–2015). Dot’s journey began in Beltsville, Maryland, where she and her husband Bob worked at the USDA. There she studied innovative methods of sterilizing cannabis seeds while collaborating with Dr. James Duke, the renowned herbalist and author of The Green Pharmacy and Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs. His pioneering work created the USDA’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, which continue to guide researchers around the world.

Inspired by Dr. Duke and fueled by her own love of botany, Dot and Bob left Maryland in the mid-1970s to embrace a back-to-the-land lifestyle in the rolling hills of West Virginia. On Smoke Camp Road in Weston, WV, they settled into an 1800s log cabin where Dot began experimenting with growing herbs, vegetables, and native plants. That same cabin still stands today and proudly appears in our company’s logo, a reminder of where it all began.

In 1978, Dot officially founded Smoke Camp Crafts, combining her knowledge of herbal medicine with her boundless creativity. Her product line grew to include jellies, teas, spices, and her famous “Road Kill Jam”—a blend of apples, raspberries, and black walnuts that reflected her humor and her deep sense of place. Over the decades, Dot became known for her book Modern Uses of Traditional Herbs and her devotion to learning and sharing the wisdom of plants.

From Heirloom Seeds to Today’s Gardens

Dot’s work lives on in the seeds we offer today. What began as small harvests of herbs and vegetables for teas and preserves has grown into a wide-ranging collection of open pollinated seeds that preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage. Our selection includes heirloom seeds passed down through generations, carefully saved to maintain their authentic flavor, vigor, and resilience.

When you buy vegetable seeds from Smoke Camp Crafts, you’re not just purchasing packets of potential—you’re participating in a tradition of regenerative agriculture, community strength, and historical preservation. Each seed variety carries with it a story: the farmers who cultivated it, the soil it thrived in, and the recipes it has flavored for centuries.

Why Choose Smoke Camp Crafts Vegetable Seeds?

1. Open Pollinated Seeds You Can Trust
Unlike hybrids that cannot be reliably saved from year to year, our open pollinated seeds give you the ability to harvest and replant. This ensures long-term food security and preserves biodiversity for future generations.

2. Heirloom Seeds for Flavor and Nutrition
Our heirloom seeds are chosen not only for their resilience but al

3. A Commitment to Regenerative Practices
At Smoke Camp Crafts, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a practice rooted in Dot’s original mission. We prioritize regenerative production methods, ensuring that our vegetable seeds for sale come from plants grown in healthy soils that support pollinators, conserve water, and respect natural cycles.

4. A Wide Variety of Seeds
From the spicy kick of California Wonder Peppers to the medicinal power of Burdock, from hardy Lettuce Mixes to whimsical gourds, our catalog spans dozens of vegetables and herbs. We are continually expanding our offerings to include native pollinator species alongside staple food crops, bridging the gap between ecological health and kitchen abundance.

Featured Vegetable Seeds

Blueberry Cherry Tomato Seeds – A favorite for home gardeners, producing clusters of small, sweet fruits with unique purple hues.

Brad’s Atomic Grape Tomatoes – Striking multi-colored fruits that look as extraordinary as they taste.

Arugula Seeds – Peppery greens that thrive in cool weather and bring zip to salads.

California Wonder Pepper Seeds – Classic bell peppers that deliver reliable harvests year after year.

Table Queen Acorn Squash Seeds – A winter squash with sweet, golden flesh, perfect for roasting or soups.

Garlic Chives Seeds – Hardy and flavorful, these perennial herbs double as pollinator attractors.

Heirloom Beefsteak Tomato Seeds – Large, juicy fruits ideal for slicing, preserving, and savoring in summer meals.

Every packet is carefully measured, labeled, and prepared for gardeners who value both tradition and innovation.

Honoring Dot’s Vision

Dot Montgillion believed in the power of plants to nourish, heal, and connect people. Her passion extended beyond selling seeds—she saw her work as part of a broader cultural movement toward alternative systems, community strength, and historical preservation. These values still guide us today.

Alternative Systems – We champion methods of growing and living that prioritize balance with nature over exploitation.

Strength of Community – Smoke Camp Crafts has always been about more than one person; it’s about the neighbors, friends, and fellow growers who share seeds, stories, and meals.

Regenerative Production – We focus on giving back to the soil, ensuring our farming practices build resilience rather than deplete resources.

Historical Preservation – Every heirloom seed we save is a small act of preservation, keeping alive varieties that might otherwise disappear.

Growing with Confidence

When you choose Smoke Camp Crafts, you’re choosing more than vegetable seeds for sale. You’re joining a community of growers who honor the past while cultivating the future. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or a first-time gardener, our seeds give you the tools to grow nourishing food, beautiful gardens, and a stronger connection to the land.

We believe every seed is a promise: a promise of growth, of sustenance, and of continuity. Dot’s cabin may be old, but the seeds we plant today will continue to sprout into tomorrow’s meals and memories.

Start Your Garden with Smoke Camp Crafts

Our collection of open pollinated seeds and heirloom seeds is curated with care, tested in real soils, and grown with respect for the land. Explore our full line of vegetable seeds for sale and find the varieties that speak to your family’s table, your community’s resilience, and your love of the natural world.

Whether you plant tomatoes, beans, peppers, or greens, every packet you purchase is a step toward self-reliance and ecological stewardship. Just as Dot envisioned back in 1978, Smoke Camp Crafts remains a place where knowledge, creativity, and the simple joy of planting a seed converge.

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