Triple Threat Keystone Species

When used in the popular, non-literal sense, ‘Triple Threat’ is typically defined as someone who is proficient in three skills in their field – for instance in theater it could be someone that can sing, dance and act or in football, someone that can run, pass and punt.  So, to help you apply a ‘Triple Threat’ to your yard we will provide you with three keystone species to plant! Keystone species are more than proficient in their ‘fields’ and are beyond triple threats because they:

1.     improve water quality

2.     reduce soil loss

3.     provide high quality wildlife food

4.    provide shelter for wildlife

5.     clean our air

6.     sequester carbon!

In Portage County (and most other Ohio counties), our keystone species are Quercus (Native Oaks), Prunus (Native Plum & Cherry), and Salix (Native Willows). Our office would love to assist you in adding a triple threat to your yard! To receive this native plant three-pack, email Lynn at lvogel@portageswcd.org and request a set of keystone species. Please note some keystone species will not be available until November for dormant season planting.

All images are used with permission from the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database with the following citations: Prunus photos by Sally and Andy Wasowski & Julie Makin; Quercus photos by R. W. Smith & Sally and Andy Wasowski; Salix photos by R. W. Smith, Joseph A. Marcus & Harry Cliffe