The Southeast has a mixed bird community that combines year-round resident and migratory species. The warm Southeastern climate allows many species to stay throughout the seasons. By incorporating native plants into your landscaping, you can create a bird habitat that provides food, shelter, and breeding opportunities for year-round residents and even attract some migratory visitors. This blog post will explore landscaping tips and native plant choices specifically designed to attract a dazzling array of birds to your Southeast yard.
The Southeast Region
The Southeast is a haven for birds! With its warm, humid summers and mild winter, the region provides a comfortable year-round home for resident and migratory birds. However, the abundant year-round rain and hot summers present unique considerations when designing a bird-friendly landscape. The list of native plant species below will help create a garden that caters to the birds of the region. States of the Southeast region include: South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Southern Oklahoma.
Native plants for creating backyard bird habitat in the Southeastern USA
Native plants that do well in the Southeast are essential for creating backyard bird habitat. Integrating them into your landscape benefits not only the birds, but also fosters biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Since local bird species have coevolved with these plants, they are part of birds’ life cycle providing essential food sources – seeds, fruits, and nectar. Choosing native plants to attract birds creates a welcoming environment for birds, while also contributing to the overall health of local ecosystems and wildlife.
Here are some advantages of using native plants:
- They establish themselves easily in their native environment.
- They require minimal care once established.
Recommended approach
While some bird species can adapt to various habitats, most birds are particular about where they live. To attract the most birds, I recommend creating a diverse habitat with a carefully planned variety of plants.
The recommended approach for landscaping to attract birds in the Southeast is creating a layered habitat with diverse plants benefits birds in several ways:
- A range of food sources: Including plants with berries, fruits, and seeds throughout the year ensures a steady food supply for birds. The plants should also attract insects and caterpillars, another food source for many birds.
- Seasonal considerations: Planting nectar-bearing flowers that bloom at different times and trees/shrubs that produce berries throughout the year ensures there’s always food available for birds, attracting them during different seasons.
- Variety in plant height: Having trees, shrubs, and low-growing plants provides birds with different places to hide, forage, and nest depending on the species.
“Yards with a variety of of shrubs and trees will appeal to many different birds”
Plant Hardiness
Plant hardiness zones are regions that have been labeled by their average minimum growing temperature. These zones help us understand which plants will thrive in their zonal growing environment. Plants in the Southeast fall within Plant Hardiness Zones between 1 through 8 (See color coded map and table).
NATIVE TREES
Allegheny Serviceberry
Food Type: Fruit
Season: Allegheny Serviceberries bloom in early spring (April-May) with fruits ripening in late spring to early summer (June-July).
Attracts: Robins, catbirds, cedar waxwings, grackles, and even orioles.
Additional Benefits: Shrubs offer nesting sites and protective cover for many bird species.
Propagation: It can be propagated through seed stratification (cold, moist storage) or softwood cuttings taken in early summer.
Soil Needs: Thrives in well-drained soils ranging from loams to sands. It prefers slightly acidic soil.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: The Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It typically matures to a height of 15-25 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet, although it can reach up to 40 feet tall under ideal conditions.
Interesting Facts:
- Serviceberries are a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning they capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for plants.
- The flesh and skin of the serviceberry are edible for humans and can be made into jams, jellies, and pies.
River Birch
Food Type: While river birch doesn’t produce fruits or seeds that birds readily consume, it can attract insects that some birds eat.
Season: It offers year-round benefits.
Attracts: River birch can attract insects that flycatchers and warblers may find appealing.
Additional Benefits: River birch provides excellent nesting sites and protective cover for birds due to its dense branching.
Propagation: River birch is most commonly propagated by seed, although propagation by softwood cuttings is also possible.
Soil Needs: It thrives in moist, well-drained soils.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: The River Birch (Betula nigra) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree. It matures to a height of 70-100 feet with a spread of 40-50 feet. The most recognizable characteristic of the river birch is its exfoliating bark , which peels away in thin, papery sheets, revealing a cinnamon-colored inner bark.
Interesting Facts:
- The peeling bark of the river birch provides natural exfoliation for some animals. Rabbits and deer rub against it to remove winter fur.
- A popular cultivar of the river birch is the ‘Heritage’ river birch, known for its particularly fast growth rate and disease resistance’.
Southern Live Oak
Food Type: Acorns.
Season: Produce acorns in fall (September-October) that mature and fall in winter (December-February).
Attracts: Woodpeckers, flickers, cardinals, wild turkeys, and ducks. The dense foliage also provides excellent cover and nesting sites for birds.
Additional Benefits: Southern live oaks are majestic trees that provide year-round shelter and nesting habitat for a variety of birds.
Propagation: It is propagated by acorns.
Soil Needs: It prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate clayey soils and sandy soils.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: The Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is a magnificent, evergreen tree. It is known for its massive size. Southern live oaks can reach heights of 60-100 feet with a massive canopy spread of 80-120 feet.
Interesting Facts:
- Southern live oaks are one of the longest-living tree species in North America. Some specimens are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
- The Southern live oak is culturally significant. Trees are often featured in landscaping around historic homes and plantations.
Saw Palmetto
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: Saw palmetto produces small, black berries in fall (September-October) that persist on the plant throughout winter.
Attracts: Scrub jays, northern cardinals, eastern bluebirds, wild turkeys, and flickers that feed on the seeds of the fruit. It also provides cover and nesting sites for birds.
Propagation: Saw palmetto is most commonly propagated by seed.
Soil Needs: Saw palmetto thrives in well-drained, sandy soils . It tolerates poor soil conditions and even some drought.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a low-growing, evergreen palm tree. It typically matures to a height of 3-10 feet with a spread of 4-8 feet.
Interesting Facts:
- Saw palmetto is a fire-adapted plant and can resprout after fires.
- Saw palmetto is a keystone species. Its presence is essential for the health of the entire ecosystem.
Additional Native trees include:
- Juniper (Juniperus sp): Juniper berries are a favorite of Cedar Waxwings and other bird species.
- Elderberry (Sambucus sp): Elderberries are a great source of food for many bird species, including Robins and Cedar Waxwings.
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus sp): The fruit of the Flowering Dogwood is a favorite of many bird species, including Cardinals and Blue Jays.
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): The berries of the Eastern Red Cedar are a favorite of many bird species, including Cedar Waxwings and Robins.
- Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum): The fruit of the Arrowwood is a favorite of many bird species, including Cardinals and Blue Jays.
NATIVE SHRUBS
American Holly
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: It produces bright red berries in fall (October-November) that persist on the plant throughout winter.
Attracts: Robins, cedar waxwings, catbirds, northern flickers, and blue jays. The dense foliage also provides cover and nesting sites for small birds.
Propagation: It can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings. However, seed propagation is a slow process and requires specific conditions for germination.
Soil Needs: It prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: The American holly (Ilex opaca). is a broadleaf evergreen shrub. It typically matures to a height of 15-30 feet with a spread of 10-20 feet. There are also non-fruiting male holly trees, which are necessary for fruit production on female holly trees.
Interesting Facts:
- American holly is a dioecious plant, meaning there are separate male and female trees.
- American holly is a symbol of the winter holiday season due to its festive red berries and evergreen foliage.
Smooth Sumac
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: Produces clusters of red, fuzzy berries in late summer (August-September) that persist on the plant throughout fall and winter.
Attracts: Cedar waxwings, robins, catbirds, northern flickers, and wild turkeys.
Additional Benefits: The dense branching structure provides cover and protection from predators.
Propagation: Can be propagated by seed or suckers. Seed propagation can be slow. Suckers that emerge from the base of the plant can be separated and transplanted.
Soil Needs: Smooth sumac is very adaptable and thrives in a variety of well-drained soils. It tolerates drought conditions once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun. It fruits best in locations receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Description: The Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub. It typically matures to a height of 10-25 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet. All parts of the smooth sumac plant contain urushiol oil, which can cause skin irritation similar to poison ivy in some people.
Interesting Facts:
- The fuzzy clusters of sumac fruits were used by some Native American tribes as a source of tannin for leatherworking.
- Smooth sumac is a nitrogen-fixing plant , meaning it captures nitrogen from the air and converts it into a usable form for plants.
NATIVE GRASSES
Northern Sea Oats
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces flat, oat-like seed heads in mid-summer (July) that mature and turn tan in color by late summer (August).
Attracts: Seed-eating birds including sparrows, juncos, chickadees, goldfinches, and mourning doves.
Additional Benefits: The dried foliage also provides cover for birds seeking shelter from the elements.
Propagation: Northern sea oats can be propagated by division or seed. Seed propagation is straightforward.
Soil Needs: Northern sea oats thrive in average to moist, well-drained soils . They may struggle in consistently wet locations.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) are clump-forming, perennial grasses. They typically mature to a height of 2-5 feet with a spread of 1-2 feet. The grass-like foliage emerges green in spring, matures to a blue-green color in summer, and turns yellow-gold in fall.
Interesting Facts:
- Northern sea oats are a host plant for the Northern Pearly Eye butterfly .
- The dried seed heads of northern sea oats can be cut and used in dried flower arrangements .
Switchgrass
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces airy seed heads in late summer (August-September) that mature and turn golden brown in fall. These seeds persist on the plant throughout winter.
Attracts: Sparrows, juncos, chickadees, goldfinches, and bobolinks. The dense, upright clumps also provide cover and nesting sites for small birds throughout the year.
Additional Benefits: The upright clumps provide protection from predators and the standing seed heads add winter interest to the garden.
Propagation: Switchgrass is most commonly propagated by division or seeding . Seeding is possible, but the seeds may require a period of cold stratification.
Soil Needs: Switchgrass is adaptable to a wide range of soils but thrives in well-drained soils from average to moist.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season, perennial grass. It typically matures to a height of 3-6 feet with a clumping spread of 2-3 feet. The grass-like foliage emerges green in spring, turns blue-green in summer, and transforms to an attractive golden yellow in fall.
Interesting Facts:
- Switchgrass is a biofuel crop with potential as a renewable energy source.
- The dense root system of switchgrass helps prevent soil erosion .
NATIVE ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS
False Indigo
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces pea-like flowers in late spring or early summer (May-June) followed by black seed pods in mid-summer.
Attracts: Attracts seed-eating birds such as sparrows, juncos, and finches during the winter. The flowers of false indigo, however, are a major attractant for butterflies.
Additional Benefits: False indigo offers beautiful blooms in the spring and adds architectural interest to the garden with its upright form.
Propagation: False indigo is most commonly propagated by seed. Seeds require a period of cold stratification to mimic winter conditions before germination.
Soil Needs: False indigo prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: False Indigo (Baptisia sp.) is a perennial shrub or herbaceous perennial depending on the species. There are many species of Baptisia available, with mature sizes ranging from 2-10 feet tall and a spread of 2-5 feet wide. Some popular cultivars of false indigo include:
- Carolina False Indigo (Baptisia carolina): A tall-growing (up to 10 feet) shrub with indigo blue flowers.
- Austrian False Indigo (Baptisia australis): A shorter (3-5 feet tall) herbaceous perennial with yellow flowers.
- White False Indigo (Baptisia alba): A medium-sized (3-6 feet tall) herbaceous perennial with white flowers.
Interesting Facts:
- False indigo is relatively pest- and disease-resistant .
- The roots of false indigo can penetrate deep into the soil, helping to prevent erosion.
Coreopsis, Tickseed
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces daisy-like flowers throughout the summer and into fall (June-October), followed by achenes (seed-like fruits).
Attracts: The seeds attract a variety of seed-eating birds including finches, sparrows, juncos, and chickadees. The cheerful flowers also attract butterflies and pollinators.
Additional Benefits: The airy foliage may also offer some cover for small birds.
Propagation: Coreopsis is easily propagated by seed or division. Divisions from established plants can be done in spring or fall.
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Coreopsis, Tickseed (Coreopsis sp.) grows in upright clumps with fern-like foliage and daisy-like flowers that bloom continuously throughout the summer and into fall. There are many species and cultivars including:
- Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): A tall variety (up to 3 feet tall) with yellow daisy-like flowers.
- Moonbeam Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’): A shorter variety (1-2 feet tall) with soft yellow flowers.
- Rose Coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea): A compact variety (1-2 feet tall) with rose-pink daisy-like flowers.
Interesting Facts:
- The common name “tickseed” comes from the resemblance of the achenes (seed-like fruits) to ticks.
- Coreopsis is a great choice for beginner gardeners due to its ease of care and long flowering season.
Coneflower
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Coneflower produces large, daisy-like flowers throughout the summer and into fall (July-September). The seeds within the cones mature in fall and become a valuable food source for many bird species during the winter months.
Attracts: Attract a variety of seed-eating birds including finches, goldfinches, sparrows, and chickadees.
Additional Benefits: The upright form of the plant may offer some cover for small birds.
Propagation: Coneflower can be propagated by seed or division. Seed propagation can be successful, but germination may be slow and erratic. Divisions from established plants can be done in spring or fall.
Soil Needs: Coneflower prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Plant: Coneflower (Echinacea sp.) includes several species and many cultivars, offering a variety of flower colors. Coneflower typically grows in upright clumps with coarse, hairy leaves and large, daisy-like flowers with conical centers. Some popular cultivars of coneflower include:
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): The classic variety with rose-purple flowers.
- Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida): A taller variety (up to 4 feet tall) with lavender flowers.
- White Swan Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’): A variety with large white flowers.
Interesting Facts:
- Coneflower is named for the spiny cone-like center of its flowers (echin means “spiny” in Greek).
- Native American tribes traditionally used coneflower for medicinal purposes .
Joe Pye Weed
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces clusters of tiny purple flowers in mid-to-late summer (July-September). These flowers develop into fluffy seed heads in fall.
Attracts: The seeds are a magnet for seed-eating birds including goldfinches, sparrows, juncos, and chickadees . The aromatic flowers attract butterflies and pollinators.
Additional Benefits: Joe Pye Weed can also provide some cover for small birds with its upright, clumping form.
Propagation: Joe Pye Weed is most commonly propagated by division in spring or early fall. Seed propagation is also possible, but germination rates can be slow.
Soil Needs: Joe Pye Weed thrives in moist to wet soils . It tolerates average soils but may require supplemental watering during dry periods.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.) includes several species with mature heights ranging from 4-12 feet tall. It typically grows in upright clumps with lance-shaped leaves and clusters of tiny purple flowers. Some popular cultivars of Joe Pye Weed include:
- Gateway Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum ‘Gateway’): A popular variety with large, deep purple flower clusters.
- Sweet Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): A shorter variety (4-5 feet tall) with fragrant, mauve-pink flowers.
- Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum): A variety with showy, spotted stems and rose-purple flowers.
Interesting Facts:
- Joe Pye Weed is named after a folkloric healer named Joe Pye who traditionally used the plant for medicinal purposes .
- Joe Pye Weed is a host plant for several butterfly species including monarchs and fritillaries.
Hairy Sunflower
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces bright yellow sunflower heads in mid-summer (July). These cheerful flowers mature and turn brown by late summer (August), developing into black oil-rich seeds.
Attracts: The seeds are a favorite of seed-eating birds like finches, sparrows, juncos, chickadees, and mourning doves.
Additional Benefits: The upright, branching form of the plant also offers some cover for small birds throughout the year.
Propagation: Hairy sunflowers can be propagated by seed or division. Seed propagation is straightforward. Divisions from established plants can be done in spring or fall.
Soil Needs: Thrives in average to moist, well-drained soils . It tolerates a range of soil conditions but may struggle in consistently wet locations.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Description: Hairy Sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus) is a perennial wildflower. It typically matures to a height of 2-5 feet with a branching spread of 1-2 feet. Bright yellow sunflower heads with dark brown centers are followed by oil-rich seeds that become a winter feast for birds. There are no commercially available cultivars of Hairy Sunflower.
Interesting Facts:
- Hairy sunflower is a host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly .
- The dried seed heads of hairy sunflowers can be cut and used in dried flower arrangements .
Goldenrod
Food Type: Seeds. Goldenrod provides a vital food source when other options are scarce, especially for migrating birds.
Season: Birds enjoy the seeds from late summer/fall (August/September) through winter (March).
Attracts: Goldfinches, American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Dark-eyed Juncos, Purple Finches, Sparrows (various species), and Mourning Doves.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for small birds with its dense, upright clumps.
Propagation: Goldenrod can be propagated by division in spring or fall, or by seed. However, seed germination can be slow. Be aware that Goldenrod can spread aggressively by both seed and underground runners.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers moist, well-drained sites. Tolerates drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is a showy, perennial wildflower reaching 2-6 feet tall with a mature spread of 1-2 feet. It forms upright clumps with slender stems and narrow, green leaves. From late summer to fall, it produces dense clusters of small, golden yellow flowers in plume-like or rounded shapes.
In fall, the flowers turn brown, but the seed heads persist on the plant throughout winter, providing a valuable food source for birds.
Interesting Facts:
- Contrary to a common misconception, goldenrod is not the cause of fall allergies. Ragweed, which blooms at the same time, is the culprit.
- There are many species of Goldenrod with varying heights and flower shapes.
Attract birds by landscaping your backyards with native plants. Landscaping tips to create a welcoming bird habitat.
Additional Annual and Perennials include:
- Milkweed (Asclepias sp): Milkweed is a favorite of Monarch Butterflies, and the leaves of the plant are a food source for many caterpillars, which in turn are a food source for many bird species.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): The nectar of the Cardinal Flower is a favorite of Hummingbirds.
- Trumpet and Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.): The nectar of the Trumpet Honeysuckle is a favorite of Hummingbirds.
- Rose (Rosa sp): The hips of the Rose are a great source of food for many bird species, including Cedar Waxwings and Robins.
- Firebush (Hamelia patens): Small perennial shrub or small tree. Grows from 8 to 12 feet. Attracts cardinals, mockingbirds, and it is a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans): small perennial shrub or small tree.
Final Thoughts: Transforming Your Yard into a Southeast Sanctuary
The Southeast boasts mix of residents and migratory bird community. By incorporating the native plants recommended throughout this blog post, you can create a haven that caters to their needs. From the hairy sunflower seeds enjoyed by sparrows in North Carolina to the switchgrass cover sought by Indigo Buntings in Texas, your landscaping choices can make a difference.
Whether you reside in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, or southern Oklahoma, these native plants will thrive in the Southeast’s climate.
The plant selection in this article offers an attractive and eco-friendly escape for you and a reliable food source and shelter for birds. Remember, even a small patch in your yard planted with native blooms can make a positive impact. So, embrace the natural beauty of the Southeast and watch your yard transform into a bird sanctuary!