(This article was written by Angela Mason Foster, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer)

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist and conservationist, sponsored by the Cape Fear Garden Club and the New Hanover County Extension Service. Tallamy, a professor at the University of Delaware, is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work on the importance of native plants in supporting local ecosystems. His research underscores the critical role native plants play in sustaining wildlife, particularly insects, which are vital to the health of ecosystems.

One of the primary advantages of planting native species, according to Tallamy, is their role in supporting local insect populations. Insects are at the heart of the food web, particularly for birds. Tallamy’s work highlights that over 96% of terrestrial bird species feed insects to their young. Without an abundant insect population, many bird species would struggle to survive. Native plants, unlike most non-native species, have co-evolved with local insects, providing the specific food sources and habitat they need. This mutualistic relationship is what makes native plants so crucial to the success of local wildlife (Tallamy, 2020).

Another advantage of native plants that Tallamy emphasized is their resilience and adaptability. Native species are well-suited to local climates, soil types, and weather patterns, which makes them more sustainable in the long run. Because they evolved in these specific environments, native plants often require less water, fertilizer, and pesticide use compared to non-native species. This not only conserves resources but also reduces the harmful impacts of chemical runoff into waterways (Tallamy, 2019).

Additionally, native plants support biodiversity at a much higher rate than non-natives. Tallamy explained that while many ornamental plants are popular for their aesthetic appeal, they often offer little to no ecological benefit. Non-native species are frequently poor at supporting local wildlife because they lack the right chemistry to serve as food or habitat for insects and animals. In contrast, native plants provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for various organisms, from butterflies to bees to mammals. Tallamy emphasizes that homeowners should aim to plant at least 70% native species in their landscapes to effectively support wildlife and maintain a healthy, thriving ecosystem (Tallamy, 2020).

Beyond their ecological advantages, native plants also contribute to the cultural and aesthetic richness of a region. Tallamy stressed that many people have become disconnected from their local landscapes, favoring exotic plants that may look attractive but fail to reflect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the area. By planting native species, gardeners and landscapers can help preserve the unique flora of their region, fostering a deeper connection to place and promoting environmental stewardship.

In The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, Tallamy provides even more detailed guidance on how to create gardens that are both functional and ecologically valuable. The book blends Tallamy’s ecological expertise with Darke’s landscape design insight, offering readers practical advice on creating vibrant, wildlife-supporting gardens. Together, they show how it is possible to design beautiful spaces that enhance biodiversity, promote sustainability, and still meet aesthetic needs (Darke & Tallamy, 2014).

Tallamy’s message is clear: to sustain wildlife, reduce environmental harm, and foster more resilient ecosystems, we must prioritize native plants. His research has provided compelling evidence that simple changes in how we manage our yards and public spaces can have profound impacts on local biodiversity. By planting natives, we can create habitats that support a broad range of species, contributing to healthier ecosystems and a more sustainable future.

For those looking to understand the specific importance of individual native species, Tallamy’s latest book, The Nature of Oaks, is a must-read. In this work, he delves into the ecological significance of oak trees, highlighting how these trees provide essential resources to hundreds of species throughout the year. Oaks are a keystone species, supporting more life forms than any other tree genus in North America. Tallamy’s detailed exploration of oaks emphasizes the profound interconnectedness between trees and wildlife, encouraging readers to consider the powerful role they can play in promoting biodiversity by planting and protecting oak trees.

For those interested in learning more, I highly recommend Doug Tallamy’s books, Bringing Nature Home, Nature’s Best Hope, The Living Landscape, and The Nature of Oaks, all of which provide detailed insights into the role native plants play in our ecosystems and practical advice on how to make a difference in your own garden.

If you are having an issue in your home garden or landscape, send your questions to Gene Fox,Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, please email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call at (252)946-0111. Check out our Facebook page, Beaufort County Master Gardeners, for The Plant of the Week and Finding Info Friday!

References

Darke, R., & Tallamy, D. W. (2014). The living landscape: Designing for beauty and biodiversity in the home garden. Timber Press.

Tallamy, D. W. (2019). Bringing nature home: How you can sustain wildlife with native plants. Timber Press.

Tallamy, D. W. (2020). Nature’s best hope: A new approach to conservation that starts in your yard. Timber Press.

Tallamy, D. W. (2021). The nature of oaks: The rich ecology of our most essential native trees. Timber Press.