Keystone Species

Keystone plants are vital species that have evolved and adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife, making them well-suited to the region in which they naturally occur. These plants are critical to supporting the local food web and are essential for the survival of many wildlife species that depend on them to complete their life cycles. The absence of keystone plants in an ecosystem can hinder the ability of butterflies, native bees, and birds to thrive, and could potentially lead to extinctions. This list is based on the National Wildlife Federation's Keystone Native Plants for Eastern Temperate Forests - Ecoregion 8.