Appalachia: A Biodiversity Hotspot at Risk

The Appalachian region is one of the most biologically diverse temperate regions in the world. It is home to over 6,000 species of plants. Appalachia supports more freshwater fish species than anywhere else in North America, and its forests host over 50 species of salamanders; more than any other region on Earth.

This diversity is the product of hundreds of thousands of years of evolution, shaped by Appalachia’s complex mountains, valleys, and microclimates. But it is under serious threat. Habitat loss from logging, mining and development, climate change and invasive (autumn olive, kudzu, Bradford pear, stilt grass, garlic mustard, etc.) are driving declines in native plant populations and the wildlife they support.

Restoring native plant communities is one of the most effective ways to protect Appalachia’s unique biodiversity. Every planting of native species helps rebuild habitat, sustain pollinators, and preserve the living heritage of this extraordinary region.

Why Native Plants Matter in Appalachia

Native plants in Appalachia have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years alongside the region’s wildlife, forming specialized relationships that no other plants can replace. Many species such as butterflies, moths, and native bees depend entirely on certain “host” plants to complete their life cycles. When these plants disappear, so do the animals that rely on them.

Today, habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change have pushed many of these relationships to the brink. Restoring native plants to our landscapes rebuilds these connections, strengthens ecosystems, and helps preserve Appalachia’s rich biodiversity.

For homeowners and gardeners, native plants are more than a choice, they’re a solution. They require less water, less fertilizer, and less maintenance. They stabilize soil, support pollinators, and bring more birds, butterflies, and life into your yard. Choosing natives means restoring a piece of Appalachia while creating a resilient, beautiful landscape that benefits both nature and people.

Gardening With Invasives? Here’s Are Some Alternative Plant Species.

Many popular ornamental plants were introduced for their beauty or hardiness, but some have become serious ecological threats. Invasive plants spread aggressively, outcompete native species, and degrade habitats. Removing them is critical for protecting biodiversity and restoring healthy landscapes.

Here are some common garden invasives with why they are harmful and a native alternative:

• Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii): Forms dense, thorny thickets that crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity. Barberry invasions alter soil chemistry and create ideal habitat for ticks, increasing the risk of Lyme disease.
• Native Alternatives: Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry) or Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) Berry‐producing shrubs that support birds and pollinators; safe and ecologically beneficial.
• Asian Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda, Wisteria sinensis): Climbing vines that choke trees and shrubs, damaging forests and garden plantings. Their vigorous growth smothers native vegetation and alters forest structure.
• Native Alternatives: Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s Bower) or Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine) Native climbers that support pollinators without overtaking landscapes.
• Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.): Escapes cultivation easily, spreading underground via rhizomes. Bamboo forms dense stands that displace native plants, block light, and change soil conditions. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate.
• Native Alternatives: Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) or Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) Dense‐growing evergreens that provide year‐round privacy, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat.
• Vinca (Vinca minor, Vinca major/ Periwinkle): A groundcover that spreads rapidly, forming dense mats. It shades out native wildflowers, prevents tree seedling establishment, and persists year-round, reducing habitat diversity.
• Native Alternatives: Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia), Salvia lyrata (Lyreleaf Sage), or Chrysogonum virginianum (Green and Gold) Low‐growing, flowering groundcovers that support pollinators and maintain soil health while providing visual interest.
• English Ivy (Hedera helix): Climbing ivy can smother trees and shrubs, killing them by blocking light and increasing weight and moisture on trunks. Ivy also spreads rapidly across the ground, preventing native plants from growing.
• Native Alternatives: Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper) or Smilax rotundifolia (Common Greenbrier), Native climbers/shrubs that offer berries for birds and support insect diversity.
• Replacing these invasives with native alternatives not only restores ecological balance but also benefits pollinators, birds, and wildlife. Removing invasives is a powerful step toward healthier gardens and landscapes that support local ecosystems.