gray-headed coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Native plant that thrives in dry woods, prairies and along railroad tracks and roads. Composite … Continued
browsing: songbird food source
Many songbirds and other wildlife depend on seeds and fruit produced by various plants and feed on the insects drawn into our gardens. The following is a list of plants that provide fruit, nuts, and seeds for various songbirds.
Since 1970 the population of North American birds has dropped nearly 30% — almost three billion birds have vanished from our forests, grasslands, and backyards in less than a human lifetime. It’s a chilling fact that makes it clear that we must act as individuals to help ensure their survival.
Most importantly, ninety-six percent of all terrestrial bird species rear their young on insects so it is also important to grow plants that feed insects to provide a well-rounded habitat in your garden.
Visit our Butterfly Gardening page to find
host plant lists for butterfly and moth species!
Aromatic Sumac, Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica
This low-growing, native shrub forms a dense mass of stems and is used en masse … Continued
smooth sumac
Rhus glabra
This native, deciduous shrub occurs on prairies, fields, abandoned farmland, clearings and along roads and … Continued
‘Consort’ black currant
Ribes nigrum 'Consort'
Black fruit on medium-long clusters has a sweet, strong, musky flavor. Used for jams, jellies, … Continued
pasture rose
Rosa carolina
Two to three-inch wide bright pink flowers with yellow centers open in early summer on … Continued
‘Autumn Colors’ black-eyed Susan, gloriosa daisy
Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Colors'
This biennial or short-lived perennial will remain in the garden through the years by self-seeding. … Continued
‘Goldsturm’ black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa ‘Goldsturm’
Perennial Plant Association 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year! Bushy clumps of rich green foliage … Continued
black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Huge 3-4″ deep yellow blooms with dark brown eye cover this black-eyed Susan from late … Continued
‘Cherry Brandy’ black-eyed Susan, gloriosa daisy
Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy'
‘Cherry Brandy’ is a selection of black-eyed Susan that features 3-4″ diameter blooms with red … Continued
giant cabbage leaf coneflower
Rudbeckia maxima
This incredible wildflower grows 5-7′ tall with glaucous leaves to 10″. Flowers have 4-6″ cones … Continued
orange coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida
This adaptable native occurs in both dry and moist soils in open woods, glades and … Continued
sweet coneflower
Rudbeckia subtomentosa
Gray-green foliage is covered by masses of yellow daisy-like flowers about 3” across with dark … Continued