Keystone Plants: The Secret to a Thriving Ecosystem

Adding keystone plants to your garden can significantly increase biodiversity and support local ecosystems. According to Mary Phillips, head of Native Plant Habitat Strategy at the National Wildlife Federation, 'keystone plants have the greatest impact on wildlife'.

These plants are essential for ecosystems as many native insects and plants rely on them to complete their life cycles. For example, spicebush swallowtails lay eggs only on spicebush and sassafras, and some of their caterpillars become food for birds. Keystone plants also provide pollen for specialist native bees that can get pollen from specific native plants.

Research by Doug Tallamy, an entomologist at the University of Delaware, found that about 14% of native keystone plants support 90% of butterfly and moth species, and 96% of terrestrial birds depend on insects and caterpillars as food sources for their babies. Without keystone plants, many insect populations decline, and this can have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem.

Keystone plants vary across ecological regions, with different species playing key roles in different areas. It's essential to choose plants that are native to your region and suitable for your climate. Adding soft landings, such as shade-tolerant ground covers, near keystone trees can provide important habitat and shelter for beneficial insects.