| |
 All of the plants mentioned in this article grow well in the Piedmont area, zone 7b. When purchasing plants, it is important that you choose the right plant(s) for your site. Pay attention to the area you have and what the plant requires (full sun, shade, partial shade; wet, moist, well drained, dry; and soil type). Coordinating those factors will guarantee a satisfactory choice for you and the birds.
Of Trees and Shrubs
The first tree you should consider is the Dogwood, both the native Cornus florida and the introduced Cornus kousa. Eighty-six bird species enjoy the fruits of these trees. Small as well as large birds get their nourishment from these plants during the fall and winter. I observed two pileated woodpeckers fly into my backyard and consume every single berry off every dogwood I own in a single day! Great addition to any bird-lovers landscape.
Ilexes, commonly known as hollies, are another top selection from the birds’ list of favorite foods. There are too many hollies to list, though it should be noted that many of them are evergreen. In addition to their fruit, evergreen varieties provide cover for the birds during the winter months, protecting them from the elements of mother nature. Keep in mind, some hollies are deciduous (lose their leaves in the winter), so when shopping ask about particular varieties to get exactly what you want.
Holly Varieties
Shamrock is an easily found Inkberry holly shrub that has no spines and is an evergreen (Ilex glabra). The more popular varieties of hollies can be trees or shrubs: Burfords, Needlepoint, Cardinal, Nellie R Stevens, Foster, Fine Line, Winterberries, Greenleaf, Sparkler, Savannah, Emily Brunner, Nellie R Stevens, and Yaupons. Some are American types, some Chinese, some Japanese (some native, some introduced). Bear in mind, only the females of some hollies bear fruit and in rare instances you will need a male for pollination.
More Choices
A shrub birds love is Lindera benzoin, also known as Spicebush. In addition to the twenty-five species of birds that eat the tiny berries of the Spicebush shrub, it also serves as larvae food of the Spicebush butterfly. An interesting observation: The larvae cuts one side of the leaf in half, folds it over creating a sleeping-bag-type-of protective covering to stay out of sight of hungry birds!
 If the birds were choosing which trees you should purchase for them, River Birches would come next. Running neck and neck with the River Birches would be the Sassafras. Both are native trees but the Sassafras might be hard to find at a regular nursery. It often comes up as a volunteer in my yard and I assume it is bird planted just as the poison ivy is.
Two more bird shrubs would be blueberries (pictured left) and viburnums. The berries of both of these are highly sought after. They prefer blueberries (any variety will do) less ripe than we do, therefore they eat them well before it is time for us to pick them for our morning bowl of cereal. Both shrubs make excellent choices for the landscape because of their beautiful leaf color in the fall. There are many viburnums from which to choose: V. opulus, European Cranberrybush & ‘Shasta’ (V. plicatum tomentosa) are among the top choices.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), also called Shadbush, has delicious berries, good for jams if you can get them before the birds do! It is a small multi-trunked tree, similar in shape to a Crape myrtle (Lagerstromia indica) whose seeds are also enjoyed by winter visitors.
The Beautyberry shrub (Callicarpa americana or japonica) (pictured right) has gorgeous almost metallic purple berries tightly ringed around grey stems. The American form has larger berries and is a bit flashier than the Japanese, both are excellent choices.
Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush) is my sixth suggested shrub for birds. Although it does not attract as many bird varieties as the other plants do, it is a source of nectar for hummingbirds. Plant it where you can enjoy watching them feed. Other birds eat the seeds.
I’m leaving the sixth tree choice up to you. There are many large ones which the birds use for food, protection, nesting materials and nesting sites. Consider choosing from the pine, oak, maple, beech, or elm families for bird approval.
Fothergilla, Oakleaf Hydrangea, and St Johnswort are other popular shrub choices for attracting birds to your yard. By encouraging birds onto your property you will notice fewer insects. Wouldn’t you rather watch a bird gobble a grub or an insect than mix up an insecticide? The more birds you attract, the fewer problems you will have with six-legged intruders. These handsome plants will add value and quality to your home and create an enjoyable hobby, birdwatching.
|
