Native flora and specialist insects have co-evolved over millennia, creating intricate dependencies that are essential for ecosystem resilience. This deep connection ensures that each plant provides specific resources, from nectar to host leaves, for the insects that rely solely on them.
This delicate balance is why local eco-types are paramount. They support up to 35 times more caterpillar biomass than non-native ornamentals, directly impacting the food web and ensuring the survival of local bird populations and other wildlife.
Host Plants for Specialist Pollinators
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
The iconic monarch butterfly relies exclusively on milkweed species for its larval stage. Without native milkweed, monarch populations cannot complete their life cycle.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
This critical native bee, now endangered, thrives on nectar from native wildflowers like Wild Bergamot, which provides essential energy for its short flight season.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
The Spring Azure butterfly lays its eggs on the flower buds of native dogwood trees, providing its larvae with a vital food source early in the season.