A practical assessment of native North American fiber plants and their potential to preserve biodiversity

Modern textile production relies on environmentally intensive crops like cotton, and while more sustainable alternatives like flax and hemp exist, they are not native to North America. Native North American bast fiber plants remain under-researched despite their historical use by Indigenous peoples and their potential to support biodiversity and reduce agricultural inputs. This paper examines native North American bast fiber plants for their potential to support sustainable textile production while preserving biodiversity. Drawing on ethnobotanical histories, craft and hobbyist literature review, and firsthand work with the plants themselves, the study identifies lesser-known native perennials that yield usable bast fibers and may offer environmental benefits when cultivated. Key findings include the discovery of spinnable fiber in Amsonia tabernaemontana and Baptisia australis, the viability of overwintered dogbane and milkweed stalks for harvesting, and the biodiversity value of cultivating native fiber plants with minimal agricultural input. Although these plants would likely produce less fiber per acre than established crops like flax or hemp, their habitat benefits may justify their use in integrated fiber systems. The paper proposes a model of small-scale, ecologically integrated fiber cultivation that prioritizes both material production and environmental stewardship.