About Us

The Cherokee Nation Heirloom Garden and Native Plant Site is pleased to announce the 2024 SeedBank offerings. The SeedBank's genetic stock has been replenished and we have a large inventory of excess seeds available for our citizens. This provides a great opportunity for Cherokees to continue the traditions of our ancestors and elders, as well as educate our youth in Cherokee culture. Items in our SeedBank are rare cultivars and generally not commercially available. These plants represent centuries of Cherokee cultural/agricultural history.

It is important to preserve the rare genetics of the above "heirlooms", so if you receive seeds, please be mindful of the directions in the planting guide. Any variance from these instructions could result in hybridization and loss of the plants' genetic integrity. All of the "native plants" are local to the Cherokee Nation and would make an excellent addition to any garden/landscape. These seeds have been produced locally in the Cherokee Nation by trained staff and are made available to Cherokee Nation citizens for cultural uses. This seed stock is not to be sold or offered for sale.

Remember, the Cherokee Nation has only a limited supply of these rare seeds. We may not be able to grant every request. Seed recipients are limited to two varieties (only one variety of corn and gourds due to hybridization issues). The Cherokee Nation appreciates your interest in this cultural seed project. The propagation and cultivation of these rare plants is the only way to assure their genetic preservation and a vital component of Cherokee history. Thank you for your participation.