North America - Vegetation The absence of a broad range of domesticable plants meant that nomadic hunting and gathering remained a more viable way of life for most native American peoples, until the arrival of Europeans with imported European crops. Some native wild species are edible, after great harvesting and processing efforts, but none offer the high-yield, high-protein benefits of wheat or barley.There is plenty of timber in the lowland and temperate areas; highlands offer some metal ores and plenty of stone. Back | Next