The Best Native Plants for Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

If you’re looking to create a garden that attracts wildlife, you’re going to want to start with native plants.

Native plants have evolved to thrive in your area and are more likely to support the local ecosystem of birds, bees, butterflies, and other creatures.

But with so many options out there, how do you choose which plants to include in your garden?

In this post, I’ll be sharing some of the best native plants for wildlife-friendly gardens that can get you started.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this post will provide you with enough information to create a beautiful and sustainable garden that not only looks great but also supports your local ecosystem.

Let’s explore the best plants for your garden.

Native Plants vs. Non-Native Plants

If you’re new to gardening, you may be surprised to learn that the plants you choose can have a big impact on your local environment. In general, there are two types of plants that you can choose from: native and non-native.

Native plants are those that have evolved in a specific region over thousands of years. They are perfectly adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife, which means that they require less maintenance and watering than non-native plants. They can also provide essential food and shelter for local wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and insects.

Non-native plants, on the other hand, are those that have been introduced to an area from another part of the world. While they may be attractive and exotic, they do not provide the same level of benefits to the local environment as native plants. They may require more maintenance, watering, and fertilization to survive, and they may not be as attractive to local wildlife.

By planting native plants in your garden, you can create a healthy and vibrant ecosystem that supports local wildlife and helps to preserve the natural beauty of your area. Plus, you can save time and money by choosing plants that are better adapted to your local climate and soil.

So, if you’re looking to create a wildlife-friendly garden, be sure to choose native plants whenever possible. Your local nursery or garden center can help you select the best plants for your area, or you can do some research online to find out which plants are native to your region.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)

If you are looking for a small tree to plant in your garden that will provide your local wildlife with food, consider planting Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis). This beautiful tree has large heart-shaped leaves that turn into a deep green during the summer and vibrant shades of yellow in the fall.

Eastern Redbud is a native plant that is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for many different environments. It is ideal for small gardens or even as a focal point in larger landscapes. In the spring, it produces gorgeous pinkish-purple flowers that attract pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies.

By planting Eastern Redbud in your garden, you are also providing a source of food for birds. In the fall, the tree produces small bean-like pods that contain seeds that birds love to eat.

Caring for Eastern Redbud is simple. Make sure to plant it in well-drained soil and give it plenty of sunlight. It can tolerate a variety of soils, including clay and loam. Water it regularly during its first year to help it establish a strong root system. Once it is established, it is very drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance.

Eastern Redbud does not require pruning, but if you decide to do so, do it in the late fall or early winter while the tree is dormant. If you prune it during the summer, you risk damaging the tree and reducing its growth.

Overall, Eastern Redbud is a beautiful and low-maintenance tree that provides a lot of benefits for both your garden and your local wildlife. It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to create a wildlife-friendly garden that is both beautiful and functional.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Goldenrod is a plant that blooms in late summer, known for its tall stems and clusters of yellow flowers. It is easy to grow and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. You can choose from over 100 species of Solidago, meaning there is a variety for every garden.

Planting Goldenrod is a great way to create a wildlife-friendly garden. It provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. The stems of the plant also provide winter food for birds and small mammals.

To care for Goldenrod, make sure to plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Once established, it needs little to no additional watering. However, it is important to cut the plant back in the fall to prevent it from taking over the garden. You can also divide the plant every two to three years to keep it from becoming too dense.

Goldenrod has many benefits for both the gardener and the environment. It is easy to grow, visually stunning and provides food and habitat for wildlife. I encourage you to consider planting Goldenrod and other natives in your garden to help create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly space.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot, also known as Bee balm, is a herbaceous perennial native to North America that has unique bright lavender or pinkish flowers that bloom in midsummer. This plant produces an irresistibly pleasant fragrance that can enhance your garden’s overall ambiance. Wild Bergamot can grow up to 4 feet tall and is ideal for planting in your garden to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

Planting Wild Bergamot in your garden will add to the overall aesthetic value giving it a pop of color. Its flowers serve as a beautiful backdrop for professional photography, adding to the memories you will have in your garden. One of the most significant benefits of growing Wild Bergamot is that it provides a home for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, which play vital roles in pollinating plants.

Wild Bergamot is easy to grow and maintain as long as some basic requirements are met. The plant grows well when planted in full sun or partial shade and requires moist, well-drained soil. Ensure that your plant gets plenty of water during dry season, and a layer of organic mulch can help sustain moisture in the soil. It’s essential to keep the surrounding area around the plant clean and free from weeds.

If you have trouble with bee stings, do not worry. Wild Bergamot is not an aggressive flowering plant. It attracts just enough bees, which help in pollination while ensuring that the number doesn’t get out of control. Another interesting fact about Wild Bergamot is that it repels many common insect pests, including mosquitoes. A tip to remember though is that it is crucial to let Wild Bergamot grow undisturbed on the same spot every year.

So if you are interested in attracting some hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to your garden, Wild Bergamot is an excellent choice. Wild Bergamot’s abundant flowering will leave a visually appealing image that defines a home. Remember, it’s better to support wildlife and save the planet than to make it unlivable.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Planting Butterfly Weed in your garden is a great way to provide food for pollinators. The bright orange flowers of this plant are irresistible to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Butterfly Weed is a native plant that is very easy to grow and care for. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate dry conditions, making it a great choice for xeriscaping.

One of the most interesting things about this plant is that it is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly. The leaves of Butterfly Weed are the only food source for Monarch caterpillars, making this a vital plant for the survival of the Monarch butterfly population.

If you want to attract more butterflies to your garden, planting Butterfly Weed is a great place to start. It is also a beautiful addition to any garden, with its long-lasting blooms and bright color.

When planting Butterfly Weed, make sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well-drained, and you may need to amend it with sand or gravel if the soil is heavy and clay-like.

Once established, Butterfly Weed is a very low-maintenance plant. It does not require fertilization and only needs to be watered during periods of drought. In fact, over-watering can actually harm the plant, so it is important to let the soil dry out between waterings.

In summary, planting Butterfly Weed is a great way to attract butterflies to your garden, while also supporting the Monarch butterfly population. It is easy to grow and care for, and is a beautiful addition to any garden.

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe-Pye Weed is a tall, flowering perennial plant that can reach over six feet tall with blooms topping the striking foliage in late summer. It’s a favorite of many gardeners and butterflies, and it’s a simple plant to care for. If you’re looking to attract pollinators and create a delightful aesthetic, planting Joe-Pye Weed is vital.

If you’re growing Joe-Pye Weed, you’ll want to make sure they have enough water, either through regular irrigation or planting them in a low-lying area that stays moist. It prefers full sun or partial shade to grow. As a result, It’s an excellent choice for rain gardens, as it can adapt to varying levels of soil moisture.

Joe-Pye Weed is a herbaceous plant that dies back to the ground each winter, I recommend cutting it down in the fall after it has gone dormant. This process will encourage new growth in the spring.

The flower head attracts pollinators like honey bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Joe-Pye Weed’s stem and leaves also provide a food source for caterpillars, which later turn into butterflies. It’s a multi-seasonal plant that is crucial for your garden and the ecosystem of wildlife around you.

In conclusion, adding Joe-Pye Weed to your garden will not only beautifully decorate the area, but it will also increase biodiversity by making room for essential pollinators and food sources. Follow these care tips to ensure your plants are happy and healthy.

Oak Trees for Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

Planting oak trees is a great way to add substantial wildlife value to your garden. Not only do they add natural beauty to the landscape, but they offer food and shelter for a variety of wildlife.

By planting oak trees, you can attract a range of birds such as woodpeckers, jays, and hawks. These birds all feed on the insects that live on and around oak trees. Not only this, but they offer safe nesting locations for wildlife.

When planting oak trees, it is important to select a suitable location. They grow best in full sunlight and prefer acidic soil. Make sure to select a spot with enough space for it to grow to achieve its full potential.

Once your oak tree is planted, there are a few things you can do to ensure its health. Water your oak tree regularly, especially during periods of drought. If you have deer in your area, you may need to fence off your oak tree to stop them from eating the bark.

I recommend fertilizing your oak tree regularly with a good organic fertilizer, such as compost. This will provide it with the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and strong.

Overall, oak trees are a wonderful addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. By planting them, you can attract a range of birds and wildlife while also adding natural beauty to your garden.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I hope this post has been useful to you in your journey to create a more wildlife-friendly garden.

By choosing native plants, you not only create a beautiful space, but you also help to support the local ecosystem.

So, which plant are you going to try first?

I would love to hear from you!

Please send me a message and let me know what you think.

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Thank you for reading!