Which plants can I grow to lure birds to my garden?
Consider native species that attract and maintain bird populations. Native plants have evolved together with our local birds, and these plants are familiar to the birds as food and shelter. In addition, native species attract a wide range of native insects, which insectivorous birds will happily consume. Visit a local nursery that stocks plants native to your area; it’ll offer you a wide selection of plants and information about those plants. Following are some of the plants to consider for your yard or garden as long as you choose a native-to-you species. (I refer to the fruit of all these plants as “berries,” but technically, some are drupes or small fruits.)
- Arrowwood virburnum (Virburnum dentatum). This easy-to-grow shrub typically grows 6 to 12 feet tall and produces clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring and early summer. By fall, it forms small berries that are an important food for birds. During the growing season, the dense growth of this plant offers shelter to birds.
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Fast-growing, maintenance-free, and with magnificent flowers that attract hummingbirds. Oh, and beautiful (though inedible) red berries in fall offer additional food for birds. If you have a fence or arbor in a sunny location, this is your plant.
- American holly (Ilex opaca). Though this plant won’t give you anything tasty to eat, it’s an excellent addition to the landscape and will offer food and shelter to your birds. Its berries are an important winter food for many birds, and because it’s evergreen, it offers shelter during harsh weather. Berries are only produced on female plants, so either purchase a tree that’s already producing berries (and make sure a male tree is nearby), or plant several trees and hope for the best.
