Keystone Species

We have been learning more about Keystone Species! The idea here is that some species of flora and fauna are so integral to their ecosystem that without them, that ecosystem may collapse. The name comes from a masonry term - when making an archway the keystone is the stone at the very top/middle of the arch, which bears the load and holds the curved arch up. Remove it, and the archway collapses.

In our research, sources vary in which specific species is the choice for a Keystone Genus. Ecoregions play a big part in this. Find your ecoregion here: Ecoregions of North America. We were stunned to learn that Oregon hosts multiple ecoregions and biomes, from coastal to alpine to desert. The aster that thrives on a mountain and is critical in the support of the ecosystem there, may not offer the same benefit in the Willamette Valley.

These are some of the keystone species we have in our yards:

• Oregon White Oak

• Chokecherry

• Vine Maple

• Evergreen Huckleberry

• Willamette Valley Gumweed

• Douglas Aster

• Lanceleaf Coreopsis

• Common or Prairie Sunflower

• Canada or Western Goldenrod

• Western Coneflower

• Hairy False Goldenaster

• Nodding bur-marigold

• Showy Fleabane

• Scouler's Willow

There are so many wonderful options and adding just one of these species to your home adds tons of value to the ecosystem!

Here is a great resource from the National Wildlife Foundation that lists Keystone Species for the Marine West Coast Region:

Marine West Coast Keystone List (National Wildlife Foundation).pdf

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