prairie dropseed grass
Sporobolus heterolepis
2′ narrow-leaved, fragrant native grass. Incredibly attractive in bloom and seed.
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!
sundrops, narrowleaf evening primrose
Oenothera fruticosa
Sundrops prefer moderately fertile, dry, well-drained soil in full sun to very light shade. Good … Continued
snowberry
Symphoricarpos alba
This rounded deciduous shrub grows to 3-6′ tall and wide. Native to dry rocky wooded … Continued
magic berry snowberry
Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii 'Magic Berry'
Light pink blooms in summer followed by large, pink fruit on arching stems with dark … Continued
Mexican bush marigold, Lemmon’s marigold
Tagetes lemmonii
Narrow, green, fine foliage has a strong citrus-like aroma. The sunny yellow blooms attract bees … Continued
yellow ironweed, wingstem
Verbesina alternifolia
1-2 inch yellow blooms in late summer. Aggressive growth habit, but a great native plant … Continued
blackhaw viburnum
Viburnum prunifolium
A large shrub or small tree, 12-15 ft. tall, sometimes larger. Rounded in form, this deciduous shrub … Continued
arrowwood viburnum
Viburnum dentatum 'Blue Muffin'
This handsome selection of the North American native arrowwood viburnum boasts neat foliage, white spring … Continued
grapes
Vitis spp.
‘Himrod Seedless’ produces seedless, golden-yellow fruit on large, loose clusters. It’s a great choice for table … Continued
waxyfruit hawthorn
Crataegus pruinosa
Waxy-fruited hawthorn is a native large shrub or small tree in the rose family found … Continued
wild grape, riverbank grape
Vitis riparia
These fast-growing, long-lived native vines thrive along riverbanks, roadsides, forest edges, and fence lines. Green … Continued