This year, keystones have been a real focal point for Deep Roots KC, as we’ve worked to distill down the wealth of research that supports advocating for certain genera of native plants over others.
Exotic or Ornamental
Here in our Deep Roots community, the choice between exotic ornamentals and native-species plants in our landscapes is a no-brainer. The ecosystem benefits and the support for threatened pollinator species seal the deal for nearly every level of enthusiast. But in our fragmented urban environments, there’s a failsafe way to amplify those benefits even more in spaces where larger-scale restoration or higher-diversity plantings might not be the ideal fit: Selecting keystone species. The suite of native flora that truly hold our ecosystems together outperform many of their counterparts by supporting a disproportionately high number of insect species as both abundant nectar sources for adult invertebrates, and as larval hosts for their offspring.
Trees
Take trees, for example: If you are faced with the task of replacing >one tree on your property, and you find yourself saying, “Well, I don’t want an oak – they get way too big,” acknowledge that the Quercus genus supports the highest number of lepidoptera, by far, and then reach for the Prunus. American Plum, and the classic native Chokecherry. Each one can support around 340 unique caterpillar species; will provide perfumed white blooms in spring; and won’t tower much higher than the average suburban roofline – 20 to 30 feet at maturity. They’re also excellent replacements for invasive honeysuckles and Callery pears in our woodland edges and along our streets.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KEYSTONE NATIVE PLANTS
LUNCH & LEARN ~ Thurs. Nov. 7, 2024 at 12:00pm
Join Deep Roots each first Thursday at 12pm CST to learn best management practices for large landscapes. Working with landowners and conservation specialists across the Midwest, this series tells the story of native habitat stewardship and restoration efforts. Each episode features practical insight and how-to application from experts with Johnson County Parks and Recreation District (JCPRD) and Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Lunch and Learn series occurs monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 12pm Central time.
REGISTER FOR THIS FREE WEBINAR
