The Vital Role of Native Plants in Pittsburgh's Ecosystem

A Quick List of Pittsburgh Native Plants and Their Wildlife Partners

Expanding your garden with native species directly supports the 437+ species of bees and countless birds found in Western Pennsylvania. Below is a categorized list of plants that thrive in Pittsburgh's Zone 6b climate and the animals that rely on them.

1. Perennial Wildflowers (The Pollinator Fuel)

Wildflowers provide the nectar and pollen essential for insect survival.

• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): An absolute necessity for Monarch butterflies, as it is the only host plant their caterpillars can eat.

• Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Its red-and-yellow tubular flowers are perfectly timed to provide nectar for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds as they arrive in spring.

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Also known as Bee Balm, it attracts a wide variety of bumblebees, clearwing moths, and specialized bees.

• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): A critical late-season food source for migrating butterflies and bees preparing for winter.

2. Keystone Trees and Shrubs (The Habitat Foundation)

Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem.

• White Oak (Quercus alba): A powerhouse of biodiversity, supporting over 500 species of butterflies and moths, while its acorns feed squirrels, blue jays, and wild turkeys.

• Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): The exclusive host for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly and a favorite for fruit-eating birds like wood thrushes.

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Provides some of the earliest nectar for native bees in early spring.

• Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): Its summer berries are a vital food source for cedar waxwings and dozens of other bird species.

The Science of Urban Resilience

Integrating these plants into Pittsburgh’s landscape does more than just look beautiful; it functions as vital green infrastructure.

• Stormwater Management: Native plants like Switchgrass have root systems that can reach up to 10 feet deep, allowing them to act as biological sponges that reduce runoff and flooding in our hilly river city.

• Climate Adaptability: Unlike exotic ornamentals, these species are co-evolved to withstand Pittsburgh’s heavy clay soils and fluctuating precipitation patterns, requiring significantly less supplemental watering or chemical fertilizers.

• Supporting the Bird Population: 96% of terrestrial birds feed their young insects rather than seeds. By planting native oaks and cherries, you are essentially growing the caterpillars that sustain our local songbird populations.

Getting Involved in Pittsburgh

If you want to start your own restoration project, local resources are available to help:

• Audubon Center for Native Plants: Offers over 200 species of native plants propagated right here in Western PA.

• Pittsburgh Pollinator Pathway: A community initiative to connect fragmented habitats across private yards and public parks.

• Phipps Conservatory: Provides excellent templates and guides for "Right Plant, Right Place" gardening.