The Backyard

- Trees And Shrubs Resources -

Native vs non-native:  What is the difference?

A native tree is a type of tree that has always grown in a particular locality. A non-native tree is generally introduced by humans and comes from another part of the world. 

What are the most common native trees in Connecticut? 

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The Connecticut Tree Protective Association lists the ten most common native trees in Connecticut here: https://ctpa.org/connecticuts-native-trees/.

How many types of birds, animals and insects does one large oak support?

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The mighty oak tree is native to Connecticut and supports over 460 caterpillars.  The links and books below explains why this is important:

https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/     

https://plants.usda.gov/pollinators/Native_Pollinators.pdf      

https://www.natureworkseverywhere.org/resources/pollinator-garden/ (This a garden tip sheet for grades 3 to 12)

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Book recommendations:  "Bringing Nature Home" and "Nature's Best Hope" by Prof. Doug Tallamy, University of Delaware

See also, http://www.plantnative.org/rpl-nes.htm.