And don’t forget that native plants have co-evolved with native pollinators of all sorts, most of which are in huge trouble at this time. Not only are they providing critical food as part of the reproductive cycle for many many many many native critters, they also provide nectar to an even larger group. Birds, whose populations are also crashing, rely on these insects to feed their young. Those ugly eastern tent caterpillars you’ll see here in the East? Are just ugly, don’t harm the tree, and provide crucial baby bird food.
Native plants, properly placed, are better adapted to local conditions than non-native ones.
