When planning out your garden, it’s important to consider not just what will look pretty or be easy to maintain, but also what will support local wildlife. Adding native plants to your garden is a great way to attract birds, insects, and other animals that play vital roles in the ecosystem. Plus, native plants are often easier to care for and better suited to your area’s climate and soil conditions.
So, if you’re looking to create a more wildlife-friendly garden, here are 10 native plants to consider adding to your landscape:
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple coneflower is a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its showy purple flowers bloom from early summer to fall, providing a nectar source for a variety of insects. Birds are also attracted to the seeds of this plant, making it a great addition to any garden.
2. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Virginia bluebells are a beautiful spring-blooming plant that provides nectar for early pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their drooping, bell-shaped flowers add a splash of color to shady areas of the garden and attract hummingbirds as well.
3. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
As the name suggests, butterfly milkweed is a favorite of butterflies, particularly monarchs. Its bright orange flowers provide a valuable nectar source for these beautiful insects, while also attracting other pollinators like bees. As an added bonus, butterfly milkweed is a host plant for monarch caterpillars.
4. Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Red cardinal flower is a striking plant with vibrant red blooms that are loved by hummingbirds. This plant thrives in moist, partially shaded areas and attracts a variety of pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. It’s also a host plant for several species of butterflies.
5. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Wild columbine is a delicate, bell-shaped flower that blooms in spring and early summer. Its unique shape and bright red and yellow colors make it a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies. Wild columbine also attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden.
6. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful, easy-to-grow plant that blooms from summer to fall. Its bright yellow flowers with dark centers provide a rich source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Black-eyed Susan also attracts seed-eating birds like goldfinches.
7. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Wild bergamot, also known as bee balm, is a fragrant plant with pinkish-purple blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This plant is also a favorite of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, making it a great addition to any wildlife garden.
8. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica)
Cardinal flower is a stunning plant with bright blue or purple flowers that bloom in late summer. Its tubular flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, while also attracting bees and butterflies. Cardinal flower thrives in moist, shady areas and adds a pop of color to the garden.
9. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Joe Pye weed is a tall, native plant with clusters of pink or purple flowers that bloom in late summer. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Joe Pye weed also provides food and shelter for insects and birds.
10. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush is a versatile plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, from wet to dry and sunny to shady. Its yellow flowers in spring attract early pollinators, while its red berries in fall provide food for birds. Spicebush is also a host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly.
By adding these native plants to your garden, you can create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly space that supports local biodiversity. Not only will you enjoy the sights and sounds of birds, bees, butterflies, and other animals visiting your garden, but you’ll also be helping to preserve and protect these important species for future generations. So, next time you’re planning out your garden, consider adding some of these native plants to support local wildlife.
