From Birds and Blooms · Lauren David · · 2m
Keystone Plants: The Best Way to Help Wildlife
These native species support entire ecosystems by feeding caterpillars, specialist bees, and the birds that depend on them.
In brief
These native species support entire ecosystems by feeding caterpillars, specialist bees, and the birds that depend on them. Planting keystone native species supports far more wildlife than non-keystone plants, with just 14% of native plants supporting 90% of butterfly and moth species. Originally reported by Birds and…
What are keystone plants
Keystone plants have the greatest impact on wildlife and significantly increase the number and diversity of insects, birds and pollinators a garden supports.
One tree beats many
Planting a single keystone tree benefits the ecosystem more than planting multiple non-keystone trees would.
“Planting a single keystone tree will benefit the ecosystem more than planting multiple non-keystone trees would.”
Essential for life cycles
Many keystone plants serve as larval host plants for butterflies and moths that need specific plants to survive.
Caterpillars feed baby birds
Most songbirds rely heavily on caterpillars to feed their young. Keystone plants also provide pollen for specialist native bees.
“These caterpillars are an especially important food source for birds, as most songbirds rely heavily on caterpillars to feed their young.”
The 14 percent rule
About 14% of native keystone plants support 90% of butterfly and moth species, and 96% of terrestrial birds depend on insects to feed their babies.
Keystone plants vary by region
A species that functions as a keystone in Eastern forests may not play the same role in deserts or Mediterranean California.
Not all natives are equal
While all native plants contribute to habitat, keystone species support disproportionately high numbers of caterpillars and specialist bees.
“One of the most important things gardeners can understand is that not all native plants support wildlife equally.”
Start small and smart
Add keystone plants slowly. Make sure they're hardy and will fit the space once mature. Serviceberries work better than oaks in small yards.
Track your garden's performance
With changing weather patterns, document what you grow each season and how each plant performs. You may need to adjust or try something else.
Create soft landings
Native ground covers grown near keystone trees provide habitat for beneficial insects and moderate soil temperature during extreme weather.
Eastern Temperate Forests
White and black oak trees host 436 caterpillar species. Blue wood aster and smooth aster support 100 caterpillar species and 33 specialist bees.
Great Plains and deserts
In the Great Plains, bur oak hosts 253 caterpillar species. In North American Deserts, Gambel oak and scrub oak support 208 caterpillar species.
Northern and western forests
In Northern Forests, chokecherry and black cherry host 409 caterpillar species. In Northwestern Mountains, Oregon cherry hosts 206 species.
What matters most
Planting keystone native species supports far more wildlife than non-keystone plants, with just 14% of native plants supporting 90% of butterfly and moth species.
