Native plants and why they are crucial to our ecosystems

Native plants naturally occur in a region and have coevolved with local wildlife, forming relationships that support pollinators, food webs and soil health.

Turkey corn, swamp lousewort, American skunk cabbage and sneezeweed are examples of plants native to the U.S. Native plants occur naturally in a region and have evolved there for thousands of years. They have coevolved with local wildlife and often form mutual relationships with pollinators and other animals. Those relationships make native plants a foundational element of local ecosystems. Key points: - Native plants are species that evolved in a specific area without human introduction and are adapted to local soil, moisture and weather. - They form specialized mutualistic relationships with insects, birds and other wildlife, contributing to pollination and food webs. - Native plants can strengthen soil with deep roots, reduce erosion and tolerate regional extremes, which can lower needs for water, fertilizers and pesticides. - Invasive plant species and land development are reported as major threats because they can crowd out natives and reduce habitat diversity. - The article notes reported protection approaches such as rewilding yards, planting native species in containers, removing invasive plants, and advocating for expanded legal protections. Summary: Native plants underpin regional food webs, provide habitat and help stabilize soil and water. Invasive species and land development are reported as significant threats, and federal protections under the Endangered Species Act are described as limited. The article mentions local planting, invasive removal and legislative advocacy as approaches discussed for protection. Undetermined at this time.