Nonnative plants do not provide the necessary resources for local wildlife from "summary" of Bringing Nature Home by Douglas W. Tallamy
In our yards and gardens, nonnative plants may look attractive, but they do not fulfill the needs of our local wildlife. These plants have not co-evolved with the native insects and other animals that depend on them for food and shelter. As a result, nonnative plants do not provide the necessary resources that our local wildlife require to survive and thrive. Native plants, on the other hand, have developed complex relationships with the insects and animals in their native habitats over thousands of years. These plants offer the right kind of food and habitat that our local wildlife need to reproduce and raise their young. When we replace native plants with nonnative species in our landscapes, we disrupt these vital relationships and deprive our local wildlife of the resources they need to survive. Many nonnative plants do not support the insect herbivores that are essential food sources for birds and other wildlife. Insects are a critical link in the food chain, providing a high-protein diet for insect-eating animals. Without a diverse array of insect species, our local wildlife cannot find enough food to sustain themselves and their offspring. Furthermore, nonnative plants often lack the chemical defenses that native plants have evolved to deter insect herbivores. As a result, nonnative plants are more likely to be eaten by herbivorous insects, leading to a decrease in overall insect populations. This reduction in insect abundance has negative consequences for the entire ecosystem, as many other animals rely on insects as a food source. By choosing to plant native species in our yards and gardens, we can provide the necessary resources that our local wildlife need to survive. Native plants support a diverse array of insect species, which in turn attract insect-eating birds and other wildlife. By creating a habitat filled with native plants, we can help restore the delicate balance of our local ecosystems and ensure the survival of our native wildlife for generations to come.
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