Imagine your garden as a bustling metropolis, teeming with life. Butterflies flit between vibrant flowers, bees buzz industriously, and birds chirp merrily as they flit from branch to branch. This vibrant scene isn't just a dream; it's a reality you can cultivate in your own backyard by incorporating keystone native plants.
Understanding Keystone Native Plants
Keystone native plants are the ecological powerhouses of the plant world. They exert a disproportionately large influence on the health and stability of an ecosystem, acting as linchpins that support a wide variety of other organisms.
Coined by renowned entomologist and Garden for Wildlife collaborator Dr. Doug Tallamy, the term "keystone" refers to a species that plays an outsized role in its ecosystem. Just like the keystone holds up an arch, keystone plants hold up the web of life. Dr. Tallamy's research has revealed a fascinating statistic: a mere 14% of native plants support a whopping 90% of our caterpillar species. These caterpillars, in turn, are the lifeblood of countless birds, providing essential food for their young.
"We have this misconception that all plants are created equal," says Dr. Tallamy. "But the reality is that some plants are much more ecologically valuable than others."
These plants have co-evolved alongside the local fauna, creating a web of interdependent relationships. They provide essential food and shelter for a diverse range of creatures, from the tiniest insects to majestic birds of prey.
By incorporating keystone plants into your landscape, you're not just adding beauty, you're actively contributing to a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard.
Examples of Keystone Native Plants Across North America
The specific keystone plants will vary depending on your region. Here's a diverse selection to showcase the wide range of benefits they offer:
Native Keystone Trees
Oak (Quercus spp.): Dr. Tallamy's research reveals that native plants support a vastly greater diversity of insects compared to their non-native counterparts. In fact, a single species of native oak tree can host over 500 species of caterpillars—a critical food source for birds and other wildlife. By nurturing these keystone plants, we provide essential resources for the entire food web, laying the foundation for healthy, thriving ecosystems.
These majestic giants provide food (acorns) for a vast array of creatures, from squirrels and deer to insects and even mammals. Their leaves decompose to create nutrient-rich soil, while their branches offer crucial nesting sites for birds.
Pine Trees (Pinus spp.): Pine trees are keystone species in many coniferous forests. They provide food and habitat for numerous species, including birds, squirrels, and insects. Pine forests also play important roles in regulating water flow, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining biodiversity.
Hickory Trees (Carya spp): Hickories are native keystones for wildlife in North American ecosystems. Their nutritious nuts sustain a wide array of species, including squirrels, birds, and mammals. As dominant canopy trees, they provide habitat, shade, and essential resources, contributing significantly to biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Native Keystone Shrubs
Native shrubs also act as a cornerstone in the food web of your garden. Their berries are a primary food source for many birds, helping them survive during critical times like migration or winter. Additionally, the insects that feed on native shrubs serve as prey for various bird species, making these shrubs integral to the survival of countless wildlife.
Read: Best Native Berry Producing Shrubs
Redbud (Cercis canadensis): This early bloomer provides a crucial source of nectar for pollinators emerging from hibernation. Its nitrogen-fixing capabilities also benefit surrounding plants.
New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): This nitrogen-fixing shrub boasts beautiful blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its berries are a valuable food source for birds in the fall.
Keystone Native Flowers
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Often mistaken for ragweed, goldenrods are keystone plants that provide a critical late-season food source for butterflies and bees, sustaining them through fall and winter.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): This cheerful flower attracts a variety of pollinators with its bright yellow blooms. It also provides valuable seeds for birds in the fall.
Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.): Asters are a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. There are around 170 species of asters, most of which are native to Eurasia and North America. They are known for their daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, white, and blue. Asters bloom in late summer and fall, and they are a valuable food source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Sunflowers (Helianthus spp): many species in the Helianthus genus, commonly known as sunflowers, are considered native keystone plants in North America! Sunflowers produce large heads full of seeds, which are a vital food source for many birds, including finches, chickadees, and goldfinches. In addition, the nectar in their flowers attracts a wide variety of pollinators like butterflies, bees, and beetles. Sunflowers also provide habitat for a variety of insects, including caterpillars and aphids. These insects, in turn, are a food source for other animals, such as birds and bats.
Keystone Native Grasses
Native grasses are not a direct replacement for turf lawn, but instead have their own beauty and benefits.
Read: Why You Should Plant Native Grasses
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): This tall grass provides valuable nesting sites for birds and offers winter interest with its golden seed heads. It also helps suppress weeds and improves soil drainage.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A beautiful native grass with an airy appearance, little bluestem attracts pollinators and provides winter interest with its reddish-purple foliage. Little bluestem provides critical habitat for many insect species, including caterpillars which are a vital food source for birds. In fact, little bluestem is a host plant for nine different skipper species!
Benefits of Planting Keystone Native Plants
There are numerous advantages to incorporating keystone native plants into your landscape:
Supporting Local Wildlife
By providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other animals, native plants create a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard. This fosters biodiversity and helps to maintain the delicate balance of nature. Studies by entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy (Garden for Wildlife collaborator) have shown that landscapes with keystone plants support 70-75% more caterpillar species than those without them, highlighting the crucial role these plants play in the food chain.
Enhancing Pollination
Many native plants are specifically adapted to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Perfect for your pollinator garden! These pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many flowering plants, including fruits and vegetables we rely on. A single bee visit can pollinate hundreds of flowers, ensuring a bountiful harvest and healthy ecosystems.
Promoting Natural Pest Control
Native plants are nature's pest control! A healthy ecosystem with a diverse population of beneficial insects helps to keep pest populations in check naturally. Keystone plants often attract predator insects that feed on harmful insects, reducing the need for pesticides. This creates a safer environment for you, your family, and your pets.
Reducing Maintenance Needs
Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and fertilizer than non-native species. This translates to lower maintenance needs for your garden, saving you time and money. Additionally, native plants are often more resistant to pests and diseases, further reducing the need for interventions.
Creating a Beautiful and Sustainable Landscape
Native plants offer a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, allowing you to create wildlife garden design that reflects the natural beauty of your region. From vibrant wildflowers to majestic trees, native plants offer endless possibilities for creating a garden that is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically beneficial.
Getting Started with Keystone Native Plants at Home
Planting keystone native plants in your landscape is a rewarding way to give back to the environment and create a beautiful haven for wildlife. Here are some tips to get you started:- Research Native Plants for Your Area: The first step is to identify keystone native plants that thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions. Many resources are available online and through local nurseries to help you with this. You can shop native plants by state or use your zip code. The National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder is also a great tool to get you started.
- Consider Your Garden's Specific Conditions: Think about sunlight availability, soil type, and moisture levels when choosing plants. Grouping plants with similar needs together will simplify watering and fertilization requirements. Read our Guide to Sunlight for Native Plants.
- Start Small and Add to Your Garden Over Time: You don't need to overhaul your entire landscape at once. You don't even need a large space! Native plants are perfect for patios or balcony gardens. Begin with a few key plants and gradually expand your native plant collection. This allows you to learn about the specific needs of each plant and ensures success in the long run.
- Be Patient! Native plants may take some time to establish themselves, especially when compared to faster-growing non-native varieties. However, once established, they will reward you with a beautiful and low-maintenance garden that benefits the environment for years to come.
- Get Creative! There are endless possibilities when it comes to designing a garden with keystone native plants. Explore different plant combinations, create dedicated pollinator havens, or incorporate native trees for shade and structure. If you're overwhelmed by it all, don't forget each of our collections come with a suggested garden design!