By Eric Fuselier.
As climate change accelerates, nature-based solutions are emerging as powerful allies in our
fight to reduce atmospheric carbon. Among these, native plants — from towering oaks to deep-
rooted prairie grasses — offer a scalable, resilient, and ecologically sound method of carbon
sequestration, and can play a pivotal role in long-term carbon removal.
Why Native Plants Matter for Carbon Sequestration
Native plants are uniquely suited to their local environments, making them ideal candidates for
carbon storage. Here’s why:
- Deep root systems: Prairie grasses like big bluestem and switchgrass can store up to
80% of their biomass carbon underground, where it remains stable for decades. - Long-lived species: Trees such as white oak, sugar maple, and black walnut sequester
carbon for generations, especially when they grow quickly and produce large woody
biomass. - Ecosystem resilience: Native species are more resistant to drought, pests, and other
stressors, reducing the risk of carbon loss due to disturbance.
Woody Species: Aboveground Carbon Champions
Planting trees delivers some of the most immediate gains in carbon removal, thanks to their
rapidly accumulating aboveground biomass. As trees grow, their trunks, branches, and leaves
store increasing amounts of carbon, making them ideal for short-term sequestration. Traits of
native trees that are optimal for carbon removal include:
- Fast-growing and long-lived: Trees like tulip poplar, sweetgum, and bald cypress grow
quickly and live long, storing carbon efficiently. - Large crowns and leaf area: Species such as red maple and American sycamore
maximize photosynthesis, pulling more CO₂ from the atmosphere. - High biomass producers: Oaks dominate the list, including bur oak, northern red oak,
and Shumard oak, all known for their substantial carbon storage.
Herbaceous Heroes: Prairie Grasses and Wildflowers
However, carbon stored in trees is vulnerable to loss through disturbances like storms, pests, or
land development. In contrast, many herbaceous prairie species offer slower initial carbon gains but ultimately store more carbon over time — and in more stable locations. Their deep, fibrous
root systems bury carbon meters below the surface, where it’s less likely to be disturbed. Prairie
soils, enriched by biodiversity and long-lived species, can hold more carbon than the biomass of
entire forests. This underground storage is resilient, long-lasting, and less prone to sudden
release. Traits of native herbaceous species that are optimal for carbon removal include:
- Fibrous and deep roots: Perennial grasses and other prairie species bury carbon meters
below the surface, where it remains undisturbed. - Warm-season grasses like big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass outperform cool-
season varieties in carbon capture due to higher photosynthetic rates. - Legume partnerships: Native legumes such as purple prairie clover, Illinois bundleflower,
and partridge pea fix nitrogen in the soil, boosting grass growth and accelerating carbon
storage.
Restoration Is Key
Nature-based carbon removal is a long-term investment, not a quick fix. Ecosystems like
prairies and wetlands continuously sequester carbon and don’t saturate within relevant
timescales. Restoration efforts should prioritize:
- Diverse native species over monocultures
- Stress-tolerant plants that can withstand environmental hazards
- Site-specific planning based on soil, moisture, and sunlight conditions
What You Can Do
Whether you’re a landowner, gardener, or policymaker, you can help:
- Plant native species in your yard or community projects
- Support restoration efforts in prairies, wetlands, and forests
- Advocate for conservation policies that prioritize ecological resilience
By investing in native plants, we’re not just storing carbon; we’re restoring ecosystems,
protecting biodiversity, and building a climate-resilient future.
Here is a List of NWA Native Plants for Carbon Removal.