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To help determine what plants prehistoric people used, archaeologists often look for seeds that have been charred in a cooking fire. There was not much evidence of plants at the Greenwich Cove site—only hickory nuts and acorns were found). However, more plant remains have been found at several other sites near Narragansett Bay, and it is possible that some of these may also have been eaten at Greenwich Cove.

While a number of different plants were used at these sites, there were several that served as staples and were used more frequently than any others:

Hickory nuts (Carya sp.) may have been the most important food source. High in protein and calories, abundant, and easy to store, these nuts were roasted before they were eaten. At some archaeological sites, evidence was found of special areas just for roasting or storing hickories.

Acorns from oak (Quercus sp.) required more time and care to process, because these seeds—especially those from red and black oak—needed special preparation to remove their natural bitterness.

Hazelnuts (Corylus sp.) were also used at three sites on Narragansett Bay.

Sumac (Rhus sp.), one species of which we now commonly see on roadsides, was also sometimes used. The seeds were eaten, and also used to make hot or cold beverages.

Other plants that have been found at archaeological sites around Narragansett Bay include:

Lambsquarters, or goosefoot (Chenopodium sp.)
Bulrush (Scirpus sp.) (near streams and wetlands)
Wild grape (Vitis sp.)
Solomon's seal (Polygonatum commutatum)
Knotweed and smartweed (Polygonum sp.)
Pigweed (Amaranthus sp.)
Wild rice (Zizania aquatica) (near freshwater stream)
Bedstraw and cleavers (Galium sp.)
Blackberry and raspberry (Rubus sp.)
Partridge berry (Mitchella repens)
Cherry (Prunus sp.)

There is little archaeological evidence of prehistoric agriculture around Narragansett Bay. However, European settlers such as Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, describe the natives raising corn, beans, and squash. The reason for the difference between the two may be that there was not much agriculture before the Europeans arrived, but archaeologists continue to search for a more definite answer.

For a bibliography of prehistoric plant remains, see ArchNet at the University of Connecticut.