Guides, species spotlights, and stories from the native plant community.
Discover the keystone native plants of the taiga biome — the cold-climate species that power boreal food webs across Alaska, Minnesota, Maine, and beyond. NWF-sourced caterpillar and pollinator data included.
Yes, plants can be keystone species. Learn how oaks, mangroves, and saguaros hold entire ecosystems together — and how to spot a keystone plant in your own region.
Wetlands cover less than 6% of the lower 48 states — yet 40% of all plant and animal species depend on them. The plants rooted in these ecosystems don't just survive wet conditions; they filter pollutants, store carbon, and hold entire food webs together. Here's what you need to know.
Grasslands are the most endangered and least appreciated ecosystem in North America. Nearly all of their native keystone plants have been plowed under, grazed out, or replaced with monocultures. Here are the overlooked prairie species that are most critical — and most worth planting.
Spring is when most gardeners plant — but it's the second-best season for native plants. Here's how to make the most of spring planting, which keystone species to prioritize by region and plant type, and the timing mistakes that cause most native plant failures.
The NWF's keystone plant program is the most comprehensive effort to translate ecological research into actionable planting guidance for homeowners. Here's what it is, what the science behind it says, and how to use it — including tools beyond the NWF's own website.
A native oak tree supports over 500 caterpillar species. A non-native gingko supports 5. That gap tells the whole story — but understanding exactly why invasive plants fail wildlife (and which common garden plants are the worst offenders) helps you make smarter choices.
What actually happens when you replace a conventional lawn and ornamental landscape with keystone native plants? New research and real homeowner accounts give us the clearest picture yet — and the results are measurable, documented, and replicable anywhere.
Every region has its own keystone trees — the native species that support more wildlife per tree than any other planting decision you can make. In California, it's a different list than the East. Here's the complete picture, starting with an underappreciated giant: the California sycamore.
Not all native plants are equal when it comes to supporting pollinators. A small fraction — about 14% — does the heavy lifting for 90% of butterflies and moths, and up to 60% of native bees. Here's how to identify and grow them.
Finding the right native keystone plants for your specific location used to mean consulting local experts or sifting through regional plant lists. Now there are tools that do it by zip code — but knowing how to interpret the results makes all the difference.
Just 14% of native plant species support 90% of caterpillars. Douglas Tallamy's research reveals why a small group of powerhouse native plants — keystones — does nearly all the ecological work.