Featured Plants

Wild Strawberry – Fragaria virginiana (Native to most of the US and Canada) – This is a container-friendly perennial having a prostrate (short) growth habit and is available in many nurseries. F. virginiana bears tasty edible fruit in summer that attracts a variety of wildlife from birds and mammals to butterflies and native bees. Wild Strawberry is particularly valuable as a host plant to certain species of moths when in the larval stage.

Black-eyed Susan – Rudbeckia hirta (Native to most of the US and Canada) – This is a 1-2 ft. annual or short-lived perennial (depending on location) that is easy to grow and much enjoyed by wildlife. The nectar feeds bees, butterflies, and other insects. The seeds are relished by birds from summer to fall while the plant itself is habitat for emerging moths. Black-eyed Susan seed (whether alone or in a wildflower assortment) is widely available at greenhouses and nurseries during the growing season.

Tulip Tree – Liriodendron tulipifera (Native in the eastern US and Ontario) – This plant is a deciduous tree that is fast-growing and can reach heights of 150 ft. or taller. It is a great choice for gardeners who have more area to work with, as it is quite pest and disease free while providing much habitat for birds to shelter or nest. Tulip tree produces lovely flowers in the spring and interesting golden tulip-shaped foliage in autumn. The flowers are a favorite source of nectar to bees and hummingbirds, as well as butterflies. Additionally, the Tuliptree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera) uses this tree exclusively as habitat for its caterpillars to develop and mature.

Butterfly Milkweed – Asclepias tuberosa (Native in most of the US and Canada) – This perennial grows to 1-2 ft. and is a very showy addition to any bird-friendly garden. The orange/yellow/red (depending on location) flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, in addition to a variety of other insect species. These plants are not appetizing to deer, another bonus for gardeners. Butterfly milkweed, among other species of milkweed, is available at neighborhood garden centers or greenhouses and is best cultivated when added to other similar sized perennials. This plant is also a wonderful source of food for different types of bees present in the immediate and local environment.