Keystone Native Plants
Have you heard of Keystone Native Plants? Keystone plants are the plants that best support the food web. The National Wildlife Federation has a great list of the Keystone Native plants by Ecoregion. Here in Western Washington we are Ecoregion 7. The list shows the plants and how many caterpillar species and pollinator species it hosts. If you want to get the most out of your plants to save some pollinators and catapillers that help feed birds and support the food web here are a few top plants to have in your yard.
Oregon White Oak or Garry Oak, Quercus garryanaak, supports 436 caterpillar species. Each of these caterpillars help the migratory birds be able to support having offspring. Oaks are slow in getting established but once they do they are wonderful canopies for shade on a hot day.
Western Goldenrod, Solidago lepida supports 49 catapiller species and 42 pollinator species. This is a beautiful perennial with pretty yellow flowers that bloom for most of the summer.
Come in and see these plants for yourself. We are open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10-3.
Oregon White Oak or Garry Oak, Quercus garryana, leaves and acorn.
Western Goldenrod, Solidago lepida, in full bloom with pollinator.