10 Easy-to-Grow Plants That Birds Love
10 Easy-to-Grow Plants That Birds Love.
Want to attract more birds to your backyard? Discover 10 easy-to-grow plants that birds love! These bird-friendly plants provide food, shelter, and nesting spots to make your garden a bird paradise.
Birdwatching is a rewarding hobby, and one of the best ways to invite more birds into your yard is by growing plants they love. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned expert, choosing bird-friendly plants can turn your backyard into a thriving habitat.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 easy-to-grow plants that attract birds by providing food, shelter, and nesting sites. These plants are low-maintenance, perfect for any garden, and will help create a bird-friendly oasis in your outdoor space.
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1. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Why Birds Love It: Sunflowers produce large seed heads that attract finches, cardinals, chickadees, and other seed-eating birds.
Growing Tips:
Full sun exposure
Well-draining soil
Water regularly but avoid overwatering
READ ALSO: How to Use Bird Feeders to Attract Rare Species.Â
Bonus: Sunflowers not only attract birds but also serve as a pollinator magnet for bees and butterflies.
Alt tag: A vibrant sunflower plant with birds feeding on its seeds.
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2. Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)
Why Birds Love It: Goldfinches and other small birds love eating the seeds from dried coneflower heads in late summer and fall.
Growing Tips:
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade
Drought-resistant once established
Grows well in various soil types
Bonus: The colorful blooms also attract butterflies and bees!
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3. Berry-Producing Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
Why Birds Love It: The small berries provide essential food for robins, bluebirds, and cedar waxwings.
Growing Tips:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Moist, well-draining soil is best
Low maintenance and adapts to various climates
Bonus: Dogwood trees also provide excellent nesting sites.
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4. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Why Birds Love It: Produces delicious berries that attract a wide variety of birds, including thrushes and waxwings.
Growing Tips:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Tolerates a range of soil types
Drought-resistant once mature
Bonus: The berries are also edible for humans, making this a win-win plant!
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5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Why Birds Love It: The seed heads attract finches and sparrows, especially in late summer and fall.
Growing Tips:
Prefers full sun
Tolerates poor soil and dry conditions
Requires minimal maintenance
Bonus: These cheerful yellow flowers bloom for a long period, adding beauty to your garden.
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6. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Why Birds Love It: The dark purple berries are a favorite among robins, bluebirds, and orioles.
Growing Tips:
Best in full sun to partial shade
Thrives in moist, well-draining soil
Fast-growing shrub with beautiful foliage
Bonus: Elderberries can also be used for making syrups and jams!
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7. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Why Birds Love It: The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, while the seed heads provide food for finches.
Growing Tips:
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade
Drought-tolerant once established
Can spread easily, making it great for wildflower gardens
Bonus: The aromatic foliage adds a lovely scent to your garden.
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8. Purple Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Why Birds Love It: The vibrant purple berries attract mockingbirds, cardinals, and robins.
Growing Tips:
Prefers full sun to partial shade
Tolerates a wide range of soil types
Low maintenance and highly ornamental
Bonus: The bright berries provide visual interest in fall and winter.
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9. Crabapple Trees (Malus spp.)
Why Birds Love It: Small apples provide a winter food source for birds like waxwings and grosbeaks.
Growing Tips:
Prefers full sun
Adapts to most soil types
Requires occasional pruning for shape maintenance
Bonus: Crabapple blossoms are stunning in spring and attract pollinators.
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10. Millet (Panicum miliaceum)
Why Birds Love It: A favorite among sparrows, doves, and finches due to its nutrient-rich seeds.
Growing Tips:
Thrives in full sun
Grows well in poor soil conditions
Quick-growing and easy to manage
Bonus: Can be used as a natural ground cover for erosion control.
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How to Maintain a Bird-Friendly Garden
To maximize the benefits of these plants, follow these simple tips:
Provide Fresh Water: Install a birdbath to keep birds hydrated.
Limit Pesticide Use: Chemicals can harm both birds and insects they feed on.
Plant in Layers: Trees, shrubs, and flowers together create a diverse habitat.
Leave Seed Heads Intact: Many birds rely on seeds for food during fall and winter.
By incorporating these easy-to-grow plants, you can transform your backyard into a haven for birds, providing them with the food and shelter they need to thrive.