What’s this about “saving the stems,” you ask? Isn’t “leaving the leaves” enough? Ignoring the leaf litter may be a great start but, if you really want to level up, it’s time to adjust your aesthetic expectations for your yard and…Save the Stems!
Now, when most people think about native plants, they focus on their flowers, leaves, or roots. That’s because these particular plant parts are celebrated for their ecological, aesthetic, and medicinal value. However, the stems of native plants are just as deserving because they play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Saving the stems of native plants is an important yet often overlooked practice that can help preserve and restore our natural environments.
If you are reading this, chances are that you already know that native plants support a complex web of local wildlife by providing food, shelter, and nesting sites. The stems of native plants are no exception. Birds, insects, and small mammals depend on stems for a variety of needs. Stems support remaining seed heads that provide a vitally important food source for birds migrating south for the winter and for small mammals that cache as many seeds away as they can to get them through the winter.
Moreover, many of our native North American bee species, roughly 30%, rely on the stems of plants such as goldenrod or willows for nesting sites, as the hollow stems provide a safe and protected environment for their young. If you have ever seen a downy woodpecker pecking at goldenrod stems in the winter, now you know what they are seeking: larval insects! So, if you have been preparing to step outside with your pruners, or if you are about to respond to your landscapers notice that is time to have them come by and do their fall clean-up, put the hedge trimmer on hold! Take a deep breath, holster those blades, and take the time to appreciate nature’s grand scheme.
Biodiversity absolutely thrives when native plants are left undisturbed and allowed to grow naturally in the habitats you have worked so hard to cultivate and provide for them. In their native ranges, plants have evolved over thousands of years to coexist with a diverse array of other plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Stems, particularly those of herbaceous plants and shrubs, are crucial for maintaining this intricate ecological balance.
Some native plant stems provide habitats for fungi, which in turn support a variety of invertebrates, like beetles and ants. By saving native plant stems, we ensure that these intricate food webs remain intact, fostering healthier and more diverse ecosystems. The preservation of stems also helps protect plant-pollinator relationships, as certain native plants rely on specific pollinators that in turn depend on the plants for their own survival.
Worried about what the neighbors might think? Put up a sign to let them know you are “Saving the Stems,” and take a moment to explain what you’re doing and why. In addition to their ecological benefits, the stems of native plants often have their own special aesthetic value. Preserving native plant stems enhances the beauty of natural landscapes. Instead of a barren winter expanse of gray nothingness in your yard, stems play an important role in shaping the overall appearance of entire plant communities, providing texture, structure, and even soft color. The dense, arching stems of native grasses, for example, create visually striking landscapes, especially when covered in snow and ice.
This fall, give your aching back a break and save the stems. Know that whether through preserving the natural environment, protecting wildlife habitats, or enhancing soil health, the stems of native plants play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By recognizing the importance of native plant stems and promoting their conservation, we take an important step toward stewardship where we foster ecological balance, support biodiversity, and ensure the long-term health of our environment. It’s time to rethink how we interact with the world around us and embrace the holistic care of our native plants, from root to stem to flower.
If you would like to learn more about additional steps you can take to turn your landscape into an ecological marvel, click Natural Neighbors to sign up for a free visit. We will share our knowledge and resources at no cost to you and find many other ways for you to support biodiversity in your yard. You can also learn more about how to enhance your yard using native plants by downloading several free guides at the Plant Local MV website. And, for a step by step guide on how to Save the Stems, download the FREE HANDOUT from the Xerces Society.
