NOT SO MANY years ago, relative to the history of horticulture, even a now-ubiquitous phrase like “pollinator plant” wasn’t part of our everyday gardening language and mindset the way it is today. Our collective consciousness about the importance of native plants has grown fast, and with it have come more new words for our vocabulary. One phrase that I’ve heard a lot lately is “keystone plant”—an expression I probably didn’t even know five years ago—describing native species that are disproportionately important to local ecosystems, the sort of powerhouse plants of all. I wanted to learn more about just what keystone plants are, and which ones belong in my garden and why, and Uli Lorimer, director of horticulture at Native Plant Trust, helped explain all that to me. Uli, who has devoted his career to native plants,  also writes the “Ask the Gardener” column for “The Boston Globe.” Read along as you listen to the Dec. 15, 2025 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify (and browse my archive of podcasts here). keystone plants with uli lorimer Download file | Play in new window | Duration: 00:26:25 Subscribe: Apple […]

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