Persistent Berries
Ever wonder what non-migratory birds find to eat during the winter? Many of the brilliant red berries we bring in our homes this time of year to brighten it up have more than just an ornamental purpose.
Berries, nuts, and seeds that ripen in autumn and stay on plants throughout the cold season are all important food sources for resident bird populations as well as for migratory birds in the fall and other animals throughout the year.
So if you want to see songbirds near your home year round, you might consider planting some of the following native shrubs, trees and vines that have persistent fruit and berries.
Mountain Ash
Virginia Creeper
Gray Dogwood
Chokecherry
Hawthorn
Juniper
Winterberry
Staghorn Sumac
Viburnums
The Conservation District sells many of these plants each year in our Spring Plant Sale, our annual fundraiser for conservation education & projects. Look for the 2019 catalog and order form in the new year!
