How can a hallmark of ancient Roman engineering imbue your garden with the same endurance and resilience as the Colosseum?
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In ancient Roman architecture, the keystone was the center stone at the top of an arch, without which, the entire arch would collapse. In the plant world, a keystone species has a similarly profound effect on the stability of other coexisting species in the natural environment. Keystone plants, then, are notable standouts in local food webs, playing a pivotal role in influencing the abundance and biodiversity in a given habitat and supporting its overall health.
In other words, it is not enough to plant native plants. There are a select number of native plants that make an outsized contribution in supporting the food web; this can be measured by how many species of caterpillars (an exceptionally protein-rich food source, especially for fledgling birds) they can support. According to author and entomologist Doug Tallamy, a landscape with no keystone species will support 70 to 75% fewer caterpillar species than a landscape with keystone species, even if 95% of it is filled with native species. The #1 keystone species is the mighty oak (Quercus). Oak trees can support over 500 moth and butterfly species that are essential food sources for birds. Oaks serve as critical host plants for larval (caterpillar) stages of many species. Some of these caterpillars will become food for birds while others will reach adulthood. In addition, the oak’s protein-rich pollen feeds numerous bee species. Why are pollinators so important? Because they help with plant reproduction and support other species of wildlife. Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and roughly 35% of global agricultural crops depend on pollinators to reproduce. The relative stillness of the winter landscape is an ideal time to plan next year’s garden. If there’s just one small thing you can this spring, consider bringing more keystone plants into your yard. One Small Thing is a continuing series of actionable steps you can take to help restore ecological balance in your own backyard. |
In addition to oak trees, here are other important keystone species that deserve a place in your own back yard.
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