Why Planting Native Trees Matters More Than Ever
New research brings fresh evidence to a simple but powerful concept: planting local matters.
Our partner, ecologist Desiree Narango at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, recently published a study that shines new light on how critical locally native plants are to sustaining biodiversity. Her work focused on the Promethea moth (Callosamia promethea), a striking North American silk moth whose caterpillars feed on trees in the Prunus genus, like plums and cherries.
What the Study Found
The research compared Promethea caterpillar development on different Prunus species across the Northeastern U.S. This included:
Locally native species
Native but non-local species
Non-native species
The results were striking. Black cherry (Prunus serotina), a tree native to the Northeast, consistently outperformed all others. On black cherry, caterpillars grew faster, reached larger sizes, and survived at higher rates than they did on non-local or non-native trees.
Why This Matters
This study is more than a story about one moth. It’s a powerful reminder that local adaptation matters in the web of life:
Insects evolve alongside the plants in their home region. Local trees are not just food—they are the right food.
Even within a species, regional variation matters. A black cherry from the Northeast isn’t interchangeable with one from hundreds of miles away.
Healthy insect populations are the foundation of healthy ecosystems, fueling pollination, feeding birds, and supporting biodiversity from the ground up.
As pollinator and insect populations continue to decline, these details are critical. Planting locally native species isn’t just a gardening choice, it’s a cornerstone of ecological restoration.
What You Can Do
Choose local first. When adding trees to your landscape, seek out locally grown and sourced natives. Ask your nursery not just if a plant is native, but if it is native here.
Think beyond aesthetics. A flowering cherry from abroad may look beautiful, but it won’t support local caterpillars and the countless birds that rely on them.
Plant for the future. Each black cherry, oak, or serviceberry planted today becomes a food source and habitat anchor for generations of wildlife.
Closing Thought
Every planting decision sends a ripple through the ecosystem. Desiree Narango’s research on the Promethea moth and black cherry underscores that the ripple is strongest when we choose local. By planting the trees that belong here, we give insects, birds, and entire ecosystems the best chance to thrive.
📖 Read the full study here: Narango et al., Ecosphere, 2025