Best Plants to Grow for Natural Bird Food in Your Garden
Creating a bird-friendly garden is one of the most rewarding ways to support local wildlife while enjoying the beauty of nature.
By planting species that produce seeds, berries, or nectar, you can provide natural bird food year-round.
Not only does this help birds thrive, but it also reduces the need for artificial feeders. Below, we explore the best plants to grow for attracting and feeding birds naturally.
Create a Bird-Friendly Garden – Discover the Best Plants and Supplies for Birds!
Native Plants: The Foundation for Bird Food
Native plants are the backbone of any bird-friendly garden. Birds have evolved alongside these plants, relying on them for food and shelter.
Incorporating native species ensures that you’re offering the most nutritious and familiar food sources to your feathered visitors.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the most popular choices for attracting birds. Their large heads produce an abundance of seeds that finches, cardinals, and chickadees love.
Plant a mix of tall and dwarf varieties to create a stunning garden display while supporting birds.
Let the flower heads dry out naturally to provide food well into the cooler months.
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers not only add beauty to your garden but are also a favorite for goldfinches and sparrows.
These plants produce seed heads that remain edible for birds long after the petals have fallen.
They are drought-resistant and thrive in many conditions, making them a low-maintenance addition.
Berry-Producing Shrubs and Trees
Birds, especially during fall and winter, depend on berries for energy-rich nutrition. Shrubs and small trees that produce berries can attract a wide variety of bird species.
Holly
Holly bushes are a vibrant addition to any garden, offering bright red berries in winter. Birds like robins and waxwings rely on these berries when other food sources are scarce.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry trees are ideal for attracting bluebirds, orioles, and thrushes. These small trees produce sweet berries that birds adore, while their delicate white blossoms make them a visual treat in spring.
Elderberry
Elderberry bushes are a powerhouse for wildlife. They produce clusters of dark purple berries that attract birds such as warblers and woodpeckers.
Plus, elderberry plants are easy to grow and can quickly fill gaps in your garden.
Grasses and Wildflowers for Seeds
Many birds, like sparrows and finches, rely on seeds from grasses and wildflowers as a staple food source.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Switchgrass is a native perennial grass that provides nutritious seeds for birds in late summer and fall.
It also adds texture and movement to your garden, creating a beautiful natural look.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are not only attractive for their bright yellow blooms, but their seed heads are a favorite for small songbirds.
Allow the flowers to dry on the plant so birds can forage freely.
Nectar-Rich Flowers for Hummingbirds
If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds, focus on nectar-rich plants that have tubular-shaped flowers.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm is a colorful perennial that hummingbirds love. Its nectar-rich flowers are also attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a triple win for your garden.
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vines produce bright, trumpet-shaped flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds.
These climbing plants thrive on trellises or walls, offering both food and shelter.
Fruit Trees: A Bonus Food Source
Fruit trees like apples, cherries, and crabapple not only provide food for humans but also attract birds looking for ripe fruit.
Leave some fruit on the branches or allow windfalls to remain on the ground for birds like starlings, thrushes, and tanagers.
Tips for a Bird-Friendly Garden
To make your garden even more inviting for birds, consider these additional tips:
- Avoid pesticides, which can harm both plants and the birds that feed on them.
- Plant a variety of species to provide food throughout the year.
- Include dense shrubs or trees for shelter and nesting.
Enjoy a Bird-Filled Garden with the Right Plants
By choosing the right plants, you can create a thriving garden that provides natural bird food and a safe haven for local wildlife.
Whether it’s sunflowers for seeds, shrubs for berries, or nectar-rich flowers for hummingbirds, every addition makes a difference.
Embrace the joy of watching birds visit your garden and contribute to their survival naturally.
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Last update on 2025-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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