Birds play a vital role in environmental systems. They are essential to pollination and seed dispersal processes. Their diets help keep insects and rodent populations in check.
Expanding city development, agriculture, and pollution disturb millions of acres of bird habitat. Conservation efforts that focus on restoring these habits benefit the entire ecosystem. You can help build thriving ecosystems with native plants. Here are four of our favorite bird friendly native plants.
1. Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Black chokeberry is a year-round winner. Its dense habit provides excellent nesting and shelter. Spring flowers nurture pollinators. Birds like cedar waxwings, eastern bluebirds, and chickadees, enjoy its dark blue fruit. In fall, red foliage brightens the landscape.
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2. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
The bur oak is part of the white oak family. It can grow to a height of 80 feet. Like all oaks, the bur oak provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Hundreds of species of insects and caterpillars live in oak trees, and in turn feed many types of birds. This dependable food source is vital for the successful nesting of many songbirds.
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3. Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
Sumac offers valuable benefits for several species of birds throughout the year. Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, Black-Capped Chickadee, and other birds nest in its branches. In the late summer months, the sumac’s berries are a desirable food source for birds. Also, its flowers attract insects that provide added sustenance for local bird populations.
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4. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans provide late-summer and early-fall food for seed-eating birds. Its seeds become available once the flowers and seed heads are brown and dried out. American Goldfinches are one feathered fan of this native. Finches and other small birds perch on stalks and pick out the small dark seeds.
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Forrest Keeling Is Where the Best Natives and Restoration Projects Begin
Forrest Keeling is North America’s leader in native plant production. The family-owned nursery is an award-winning leader in conservation. With our patented RPM technology, we grow almost two million plants each year. This includes hundreds of species native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses.
By adding natives, your landscape projects help local bird populations thrive. Contact a Forrest Keeling team member today to learn about all your options.
Forrest Keeling Nursery… it’s ‘where the best natives begin!’ Contact us today.