The Best Native Shrubs for Year-Round Interest and Seasonal Color
Native shrubs offer some of the most reliable, low maintenance, and ecologically beneficial options ...
As stewards of the Earth, it’s vital that we recognize the interconnected roles every species plays in sustaining healthy ecosystems. However, some species play a disproportionately large role in maintaining ecological balance. These are known as keystone species—organisms that support and stabilize entire ecosystems by playing a central role in food webs, biodiversity, and ecological health.
According to renowned ecologist and entomologist Douglas Tallamy, just 5% of native plant genera support approximately 75% of our native caterpillar species, which in turn feed and sustain native bird populations. Without keystone species, entire ecosystems could collapse.
This concept also applies to the plant kingdom. In the Mid-Atlantic region, certain native trees and perennials serve as keystone plants due to the high number of insects they support—especially Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), which are critical food sources for birds and other wildlife.
Among the most important native trees are:
Oaks (Quercus)
Willows (Salix)
Birches (Betula)
Pines (Pinus)
Poplars (Populus)
These trees support hundreds of caterpillar species, directly impacting the success of bird populations and other animals.
For herbaceous plants, top-performing keystone perennials include:
Perennial Sunflowers (Helianthus)
By planting these in your yard or garden, you can transform your outdoor space into a thriving, biodiverse habitat that supports native wildlife.
Douglas Tallamy, in his book Bringing Nature Home, emphasizes that oak trees (Quercus) support more biodiversity than any other native tree in North America, providing food for up to 557 species of Lepidoptera.
If you’re selecting a tree for your landscape, opt for a native oak. While flowering trees like Japanese Weeping Cherries (Prunus spp.) and Bradford Pears (Pyrus calleryana) may seem attractive, they provide minimal ecological value—and in the case of Bradford Pears, they are invasive and harmful to native habitats.
Instead, choose one of these native oaks:
Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
These trees not only support wildlife, but also provide stunning fall foliage that lasts well beyond other tree species.
Other excellent native trees include:
Maples (Acer spp.) – Support up to 285 Lepidoptera species. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is especially beautiful with vibrant fall colors and is tapped for maple syrup.
River Birch (Betula nigra) – Supports 413 Lepidoptera species and features striking exfoliating bark for year-round interest.
Even if you only have a small yard or a patio, you can still make a difference. Perennials and native shrubs are the answer for limited-space gardening. Consider adding:
These plants attract pollinators, feed caterpillars, and support birds. Many people focus on annuals in containers, but native perennials return each year, require minimal care, and offer blooms at different times throughout the season.
For long-lasting color, try Anise Hyssop (Agastache), which produces spikes of purple flowers for weeks and attracts a parade of butterflies and native pollinators.
Claire is a horticulturalist and landscape design consultant. Owner of Claire Jones Landscapes, LLC, Claire’s designed gardens have been featured in print publications like WSJ and Style Magazine. A garden writer at The Garden Diaries, Claire maintains 3 honeybee hives and gardens at her home in Maryland.
