Native Species
EcologyA plant species that occurs naturally in a particular region, having evolved there over thousands of years without human introduction.
A native species is one that has evolved in and naturally occurs in a given geographic region without being introduced by human activity. Native trees have co-evolved with local soils, climate, pollinators, wildlife, fungi, and even pest organisms over millennia, developing complex ecological relationships that introduced species cannot replicate.
Planting native tree species offers numerous ecological advantages. Native trees support significantly greater biodiversity than non-native ornamentals. Research has shown that native oaks, for instance, support hundreds of caterpillar species that are essential food for nesting birds, while non-native alternatives like Bradford pear support almost none. Native trees also form established relationships with local mycorrhizal fungi, pollinators, and seed dispersers.
The movement toward native species in landscaping and urban forestry does not mean abandoning all non-native trees. Some well-adapted non-native species provide valuable ecosystem services without becoming invasive. The key is avoiding species that escape cultivation and displace native vegetation (invasive species), while prioritizing native species wherever feasible. Many communities and states publish recommended native tree lists tailored to local conditions, providing excellent guidance for species selection.