This Nov. 11, 2024, image provided by Jessica Damiano shows New England aster, a keystone native flowering plant, blooming on Long Island, N.Y. (Jessica Damiano via AP)
This 2023 image provided by Doug Tallamy shows the University of Delaware entomologist and father of the modern native plants movement posing with native Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) growing in Oxford, Pa. (Cindy Tallamy via AP)
Oaks, asters and 6 other ‘keystone’ native species to plant for biodiversity
University of Delaware entomologist Doug Tallamy’s research has identified “keystone” plant species that make up the foundation of many U.S. ecosystems by producing food for native insects, thus supporting the ecological food web.
University of Delaware entomologist Doug Tallamy’s research has identified “keystone” plant species that make up the foundation of many U.S. ecosystems by producing food for native insects, thus supporting the ecological food web.
Even planting just one keystone plant in the yard or in a container will help restore biodiversity on your property.
Here are eight of the most important trees and plants that Tallamy, author of the “How Can I Help?”, recommends (find for your ecoregion at .)
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Top keystone trees
__ Oaks (Quercus spp.): Best in the 84% of the U.S. counties in which they occur.
__ Native willows (Salix): Best farther north.
__ Native Cottonwood (Populus): Best in drier regions.
__ Native cherries (Prunus): Very important nationwide.
__ Native plums (Prunus): Very important nationwide.
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