This article explores how to attract birds to your Northwest backyard with the help of native plants. With its diverse climate, ranging from snowy and cold winters and dry, hot summers in the interior to wet and chilly conditions along the coast, selecting the right native plants is crucial for creating a thriving bird habitat. By choosing plants that offer shelter, nesting sites, and year-round food sources, you can transform your yard into a haven for local bird species while simultaneously enhancing its natural beauty.
The Northwest Region
Landscaping to attract backyard birds with native plants in the Northwest Region requires careful consideration of the region’s distinct climate zones. In the interior, winters are snowy and cold and summers are dry and hot. Along the coast, conditions are constantly wet and chilly.
Selecting hardy native plants adapted to these conditions can provide year-round food sources and shelter for birds.
By integrating these native plants into backyard landscapes, homeowners can create inviting habitats that attract a diverse array of bird species. This enhances both the beauty of their yards and the ecological richness of the Northwest Region.
The native plant species below will help create a garden that caters to the birds of the region. States of the Northwest Region include: Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Northern California
Also the southern portion of Canadian Provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Also, see our guides to:
Attract Backyard Birds: Southeast Native Plant Landscaping Tips
Attract Backyard Birds: Northeast Native Plant Landscaping Tips
Attract Backyard Birds: Southwest Native Plant Landscaping Tips
Native plants for creating backyard bird habitat in the Northwestern USA
Native plants that do well in the Northwest 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.
Plant Hardiness
Plant hardiness zones are areas 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 Northwest fall within Plant Hardiness Zones between 1 through 8 (See color coded map and table).
Recommended approach
While some bird species can adapt to various habitats, most birds are particular about where they live. To attract the most birds in the Northwest, I recommend creating a diverse habitat with a carefully planned variety of plants.
The recommended approach for landscaping to attract birds 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 and seeds 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”
NATIVE TREES
Mountain Dogwood
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: Fall and Winter.
Attracts: The bright red fruits attract a variety of birds including cedar waxwings, robins, kinglets, sparrows, and flickers.
Additional Benefits: While the branches offer some perching spots, it is not known for providing nesting sites.
Propagation: It can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings. However, seeds require stratification to germinate, and cuttings can be tricky.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun.
Description: The Mountain Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is a small to medium-sized, deciduous tree. It typically reaches 10-30 feet tall with a spreading canopy. It’s known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in spring (April-June depending on location). In fall, the green leaves turn a vibrant red, orange, or yellow, adding another layer of beauty to your landscape.
Fun Fact:
- The Mountain Dogwood is the official state flower of Oregon.
Desert Olive
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: It produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers in early spring (March-April) followed by dark blue, fleshy fruits in late summer (August-September).
Attracts: The dried fruits are a reliable winter food source for curve-billed thrashers, crissal thrashers, mockingbirds, and Phainopeplas. The small flowers in spring also attract pollinators like bees.
Additional Benefits: The dense branching of the mature shrub can offer some cover for small birds. Note: The fruits can be messy as they fall, and they are not considered attractive to most people.
Propagation: It is most commonly propagated by seed, but can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in spring. There are no widely commercially available cultivars of Desert Olive.
Soil Needs: It thrives in dry, well-drained soils. It tolerates alkaline soils and can be a good choice for desert landscapes.
Light Requirements: Full sun. Desert Olive will flower and grow best in locations receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Description: The Desert Olive (Forestiera neomexicana) is a deciduous shrub or small tree. It typically matures to a height of 6-12 feet with a spread of 6-10 feet. Desert Olive is a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plant that adds evergreen foliage to your landscape.
Interesting Facts:
- Despite its common name, Desert Olive is not related to true olive trees (Olea spp.)
- Desert Olive is a nitrogen-fixing plant , meaning it captures nitrogen from the air and converts it into a usable form for plants.
Juniper
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: It produces berry-like cones throughout the year. These juniper berries mature in fall providing a valuable food source for many bird species during the colder months.
Attracts: It is a favorite winter food for cedar waxwings, robins, catbirds, curve-billed thrashers, and mountain bluebirds. The dense foliage of junipers also offers shelter and nesting sites for small birds throughout the year.
Additional Benefits: Junipers offer year-round evergreen foliage, adding color and texture to your landscape. Many junipers have an aromatic fragrance, and some varieties can be pruned into hedges or topiaries.
Propagation: Junipers can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seed propagation can be slow and propagation by cuttings is more successful.
Soil Needs: It is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained soils with average to low fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun. Junipers will grow best in locations receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Some varieties can tolerate partial shade.
Description: Junipers (Juniperus sp.) are evergreen coniferous trees. Mature sizes range from dwarf shrubs to tall trees. Junipers typically have scaly foliage and berry-like cones that mature into juniper berries. Some popular juniper cultivars for landscaping include:
- Pfitzer Juniper (Juniperus x pfitzeriana): A popular variety available in many shapes and sizes, often used for hedges.
- Meyer Juniper (Juniperus conferta ‘Meyer’): A low-growing shrub with soft, blue-green foliage.
Interesting Facts:
- Juniper berries are used to flavor gin. However, ingestion of large quantities of juniper berries can be toxic to humans and pets.
- Some juniper species can live for centuries .
Pinyon Pine
Food Type: Seeds (Pine Nuts).
Season: It produces clusters of cones in spring (April-May). These cones mature and release wingless, edible seeds (pine nuts) in fall (September-October). The seeds remain on the cones throughout winter, providing a vital food source for many bird species.
Attracts: The Pinyon Pine are a favorite food for Clark’s Nutcracker and Pinon Jay, as well as woodpeckers and pigeons.
Additional Benefits: The dense branching of mature trees offers shelter and nesting sites for a variety of birds throughout the year.
Propagation: Pinyon Pine propagation is generally left to natural processes due to the slow growth rate and deep taproot system . However, controlled seed propagation by experienced individuals is possible. There are no commercially available cultivars of Pinyon Pine.
Soil Needs: It thrives in dry, well-drained soils with low fertility. They are drought-tolerant and adapted to poor soil conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) is a slow-growing evergreen conifer. It typically matures to a height of 20-50 feet with a broad, spreading crown. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established. Mature trees can be quite majestic, with twisted branches and gnarled bark.
Interesting Facts:
- Pinyon Pines have a symbiotic relationship with Clark’s Nutcrackers. The birds cache the pine nuts in the soil, and some of these nuts are not retrieved, allowing new Pinyon Pines to grow.
- The edible pine nuts of Pinyon Pine are a traditional food source for many indigenous peoples of the Southwest.
Gambel Oak
Food Type: Acorns.
Season: Gambel Oak produces inconspicuous flowers in spring (April-May) followed by acorns that mature in fall (September-October). The acorns fall from the tree throughout winter, providing a reliable food source for birds during the colder months.
Attracts: It attracts Scrub Jay and Pinyon Jay, woodpeckers, scrub-birds like the California Thrasher, and wild turkeys. The dense branching of mature trees offers shelter and nesting sites for a variety of birds throughout the year.
Additional Benefits: Gambel Oak provides valuable shade in hot summer months.
Propagation: It is most commonly propagated by acorns.
Soil Needs: Gambel Oak thrives in well-drained soils with average to low fertility. It is drought-tolerant once established and can tolerate rocky soils common in mountainous regions.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Gambel Oak will flower and produce the most acorns in locations receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Description: Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii) is a deciduous tree. It typically matures to a height of 20-30 feet with a rounded crown. There are no widely commercially available cultivars of Gambel Oak, as it is not typically grown in gardens due to its mature size.
Interesting Facts:
- Gambel Oak is named after William Gambel , an explorer and naturalist who explored the western United States in the early 1800s.
- Gambel Oak is a keystone species in many western ecosystems, providing food and shelter for a variety of wildlife species.
- Gambel Oaks can live for hundreds of years .
NATIVE SRUBS
Saskatoon Serviceberry
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: Produces berries in late spring and early summer (May-June).
Attracts: Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Catbirds, Blue Jays, Orioles, and Thrushes. The sweet berries are a welcome food source after a long winter migration.
Additional Benefits: Provides some nesting cover for small birds with its dense branching structure. The attractive white flowers in spring offer a nectar source for hummingbirds.
Propagation: Saskatoon Serviceberry can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or suckers. However, propagation by seed is slow and requires stratification (a cold period).
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a variety of conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) is a deciduous shrub reaching 10-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide at maturity. It has a spreading, multi-stemmed growth habit and forms thickets over time. The fruit is sweet and edible, but tart when not fully ripe – a characteristic that may deter some birds until after a light frost.
Interesting Facts:
- Saskatoon Serviceberry is named after the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, where it is a commercially important fruit crop.
- The fruit of Saskatoon Serviceberry is high in antioxidants and vitamins.
- There are several cultivars of Saskatoon Serviceberry available with variations in fruit size, ripening time, and sweetness.
Saskatoon Serviceberry is a valuable plant for attracting early-migrating birds to your backyard. The sweet berries provide a much-needed food source in late spring and early summer, and the attractive flowers offer nectar for hummingbirds.
Oregon Grape Holly
Food Type: Berries.
Season: It produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in early spring (March-April), followed by dark blue berries in late summer (July-August).
Attracts: The bright blue berries are a favorite food for thrushes, robins, catbirds, and waxwings among others. The flowers in spring also attract bees and butterflies.
Additional Benefits: The dense, evergreen foliage offers cover and nesting sites for small birds throughout the year.
Propagation: It can be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division. Propagation by seed is slow and requires stratification (a cold period) to mimic winter conditions.
Soil Needs: Oregon Grape Holly thrives in moist, well-drained soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH. It will not tolerate drought or wet, poorly-drained soils.
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade. It performs best in locations with protection from the hottest afternoon sun.
Description: The Oregon Grape Holly is a broadleaf evergreen shrub. It typically matures to a height of 3-6 feet with a spreading habit. Oregon Grape Holly has glossy green leaves with spiny edges and clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring. Several popular cultivars of Oregon Grape Holly exist, including:
- Compacta: A dwarf variety that grows to only 2-3 feet tall.
- Apollo: A selection with particularly large, glossy leaves.
- Golden Sunrise: A variety with new growth that emerges golden yellow.
Interesting Facts:
- Oregon Grape Holly is the state flower of Oregon .
- The blue berries of Oregon Grape Holly are tart and edible , but they are not typically eaten raw. They can be used to make jellies and jams .
Wax Myrtle
Food Type: Fruit (Berries).
Season: Produces inconspicuous flowers in spring (March-April) followed by gray-blue, waxy berries that mature in late summer (August-September).
Attracts: Mockingbirds, catbirds, brown thrashers, kinglets, and warblers.
Additional Benefits: The dense branching of mature shrubs offers cover and nesting sites for small birds throughout the year. It tolerates salt spray and can be used for hedges or screens.
Propagation: Wax Myrtle can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. Propagation by cuttings is more successful but requires some skill and experience.
Soil Needs: Wax Myrtle is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained soils with average to low fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree. It typically matures to a height of 8-20 feet with a rounded or spreading crown. Several popular cultivars of Wax Myrtle exist, including:
- Dwarf Wax Myrtle: A compact variety that grows to only 3-5 feet tall.
- Carolina Wax Myrtle: A selection with particularly large, glossy leaves.
- Southern Wax Myrtle: A fast-growing variety well-suited to the southern United States.
Interesting Facts:
- The waxy coating on the berries of Wax Myrtle was once used to make bayberry candles .
- Wax Myrtle is a nitrogen-fixing plant , meaning it captures nitrogen from the air and converts it into a usable form for plants.
Fragrant Sumac
Food Type: Fruits (Drupes).
Season: Produces tiny yellow flowers in late spring (May-June) followed by clusters of hairy red fruits (drupes) in summer (July-August).
Attracts: Cedar waxwings, robins, catbirds, and finches during the winter months. Fragrant Sumac also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies in the spring with its flowers.
Additional Benefits: The dense branching of mature shrubs offers cover and nesting sites for small birds throughout the year. The fragrant leaves release a citrusy scent when crushed, and the vibrant red fall foliage adds a pop of color. Fragrant Sumac is also deer-resistant.
Propagation: Fragrant Sumac can be propagated by seed or suckers. Propagation by seed is slow and requires stratification (a cold period) to mimic winter conditions.
Soil Needs: Fragrant Sumac is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers dry to average moisture and average to low fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) is a deciduous shrub. It typically matures to a height of 6-8 feet with a spreading, rounded crown. Fragrant Sumac has fragrant, trifoliate leaves that turn reddish-orange in fall. A popular cultivar of Fragrant Sumac is:
- Gro-Low Sumac: A dwarf variety that typically grows only 2-4 feet tall, making it suitable for smaller gardens.
Interesting Facts:
- The fragrant leaves of Fragrant Sumac were traditionally used to make tea .
- Fragrant Sumac is a host plant for the red-banded hairstreak butterfly .
Elderberry
Food Type: Fruits (Berries).
Season: Produces flat white flower clusters in late spring to early summer (May-June). These flowers are followed by bunches of small, round, purple-black berries in mid to late summer (July-August).
Important Note: Elderberry berries are toxic to humans if eaten raw. Cooked berries can be used to make jams, jellies, and wines.
Attracts: Elderberries are a favorite food for robins, catbirds, cedar waxwings, and yellow-rumped warblers . The flowers in spring also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Additional Benefits: Elderberry is a fast-growing shrub that is considered deer-resistant.
Propagation: Elderberry can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or division. Propagation by softwood cuttings or division is a more reliable method for home gardeners.
Soil Needs: Elderberry is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained soils with average fertility. It will not tolerate drought or constantly wet soils.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a deciduous shrub. It typically matures to a height of 8-12 feet with a wide, spreading crown. Several cultivars of Elderberry exist, including:
- Adams: A variety with large, flavorful berries suitable for jams and jellies.
- Black Lace: A selection with dark purple foliage that adds a dramatic touch to the garden.
- Variegated: A cultivar with variegated leaves that adds a splash of color.
Interesting Facts:
- Elderberry has a long history of medicinal use, although the scientific evidence for its effectiveness is limited.
- Native American tribes traditionally used Elderberry in various ways, including for food, medicine, and dyes.
NATIVE GRASSES
Little Bluestem
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces inconspicuous flowers in late summer (August-September) followed by airy seed heads that mature in fall (October-November).
Attracts: Sparrows, juncos, chickadees, mourning doves, and wild turkeys during the fall and winter months. Additional Benefits: The dense, low-growing clumps of Little Bluestem offer cover and nesting sites for small birds and ground-dwelling mammals. The blue-green foliage transforms to reddish-bronze hues in fall, adding a touch of color.
Propagation: Little Bluestem can be propagated by seed or division. Propagation by seed is slow and requires some care to ensure good germination. Propagation by division is a more reliable method for home gardeners.
Soil Needs: Little Bluestem is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers dry to average moisture and low to average fertility. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun. Little Bluestem will not flower or produce viable seed in significant quantities without at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Description: Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a warm-season, perennial grass. It typically matures to a height of 1-3 feet with a clumping growth habit. The blue-green foliage throughout the growing season turns reddish-bronze throughout winter. There are no widely commercially available cultivars.
Interesting Facts:
- Little Bluestem is a good choice for restoration projects aimed at bringing back native prairies.
- The dense root system of Little Bluestem helps to prevent soil erosion .
Blue Grama
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces inconspicuous flowers in mid-summer (July-August) followed by tiny, abundant seeds in late summer (August-September).
Attracts: Sparrows, juncos, chickadees, quail, and wild turkeys during the fall and winter months. The dense, low-growing clumps of Blue Grama offer cover and nesting sites for small birds and ground-dwelling mammals.
Additional Benefits: Blue Grama is a low-maintenance native grass that adds year-round beauty to your landscape. It is also drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant once established.
Propagation: Blue Grama can be propagated by seed or division. Propagation by division is a more reliable method for home gardeners.
Soil Needs: Blue Grama is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers dry to average moisture and low to average fertility. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is a warm-season, perennial grass. It typically matures to a height of 6-18 inches with a clumping growth habit. There are no widely commercially available cultivars of Blue Grama.
Interesting Facts:
- Blue Grama is a good choice for ecological restoration projects and wildlife gardens .
- The dense root system of Blue Grama helps to prevent soil erosion and conserve water .
ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS
Sagebrush
Food Type: Leaves and Seeds.
Season: Produces inconspicuous yellow flowers in late summer (August-September) followed by tiny seeds that mature in fall. However, the main food source for birds is the aromatic foliage.
Attracts: Sagebrush attracts sagebrush obligates such as the greater sage-grouse, sage sparrow, sage thrasher, Brewer’s sparrow. These birds rely heavily on sagebrush for both food and cover throughout the year.
Additional Benefits: Sagebrush is an essential habitat for many wildlife species beyond birds. The dense, low-growing habit of sagebrush offers cover and nesting sites for small ground-nesting birds and mammals.
Propagation: Sagebrush can be propagated by seed or cuttings, but propagation by seed is difficult due to specific germination requirements. Propagation by cuttings is more successful.
Soil Needs: Sagebrush is well-adapted to dry, well-drained soils with low fertility. It does not tolerate wet soils or frequent watering.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana) is a woody, aromatic shrub. It typically matures to a height of 1-4 feet with a rounded, spreading growth habit. Sagebrush has silver-green, feathery foliage that releases a strong, characteristic scent when crushed. There are no widely commercially available cultivars of Sagebrush.
Interesting Facts:
- Sagebrush is an ecological keystone species , meaning it plays a crucial role in the health of the entire sagebrush steppe ecosystem.
- The strong scent of Sagebrush is produced by oils in the leaves and stems. Native Americans traditionally used Sagebrush for medicinal purposes and in religious ceremonies.
Purple Aster
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces showy lavender-rayed flowers in late summer and fall (August-October). The flowers turn into fluffy seed heads as they mature, providing a valuable food source for birds throughout winter.
Attracts: The seeds are a favorite food for finches, goldfinches, sparrows, chickadees, and wild turkeys during the fall and winter months. The bright flowers also attract butterflies like monarchs and skippers in late summer and fall.
Additional Benefits: Purple Aster adds a splash of color to your garden. The vibrant purple blooms are a welcome sight for both birds and gardeners. Purple Aster is also considered deer-resistant.
Propagation: Purple Aster can be propagated by seed or division. Propagation by seed is straightforward and can be done in the fall or early spring. Propagation by division is also successful and can be done in early spring or fall.
Soil Needs: Purple Aster is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers average to well-drained soils with average fertility. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Purple Aster (Aster bigelovii) is a flowering perennial. It typically matures to a height of 1-3 feet with a clumping growth habit. The showy lavender flowers with central yellow discs are the main attraction of this plant in late summer and fall.
Interesting Facts:
- Purple Aster is an important nectar source for butterflies during their fall migration.
- Purple Aster is a host plant for several butterfly species, including the aster leaf beetle .
Indian Paintbrush
Food Type: Seeds (limited).
Season: Produces tubular, red or orange flowers in spring and summer (May-August), depending on the species. The flowers themselves are not a significant food source for birds. However, the plant produces tiny seeds that mature in late summer and fall.
Attracts: While the seeds may attract some birds, Indian Paintbrush is primarily not grown for its value as bird food . The brightly colored flowers do attract hummingbirds.
Additional Benefits: Indian Paintbrush is a beautiful wildflower that adds a splash of color to your garden. However, it is important to note that some species can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
Propagation: Indian Paintbrush can be challenging to propagate. It partially relies on the roots of other plants for nutrients. Some nurseries may sell cultivated varieties, but planting success can be variable.
Soil Needs: Indian Paintbrush prefers moist, well-drained soils with average to low fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.) is a hemiparasitic wildflower. There are over 200 species with varying flower colors and heights. They typically mature to a height of 6-18 inches with upright stems and narrow leaves. There are no widely available cultivars of Indian Paintbrush.
Interesting Facts:
- The vibrant flower colors of Indian Paintbrush are not actually petals, but modified leaves called bracts.
- Native American tribes used some Castilleja species for medicinal purposes .
Note: Due to the challenges of propagation and limited value as a bird food source, Indian Paintbrush may not be the best choice for everyone looking to attract birds to their backyard.
Plains Coreopsis
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers in mid to late summer (July-September). The flowers turn into seed heads in fall, providing a reliable food source for birds throughout winter.
Attracts: Plains Coreopsis are a favorite food for finches, goldfinches, sparrows, chickadees , and mourning doves during the fall and winter months. The dense, bushy growth habit can offer some cover for small birds.
Additional Benefits: Plains Coreopsis adds a cheerful touch to your garden with its bright yellow flowers throughout the summer. It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and deer-resistant.
Propagation: Plains Coreopsis is easy to propagate by seed.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers average, well-drained soils with average fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Plains Coreopsis (Food Type: Fruit.) is a bright yellow flowering. It typically matures to a height of 1-2 feet with a branching, bushy growth habit. Several cultivars of Plains Coreopsis exist, including:
- Double Coreopsis: A variety with double the number of petals for a fuller flower.
- Sunburst: A selection with larger, golden yellow flowers.
- Lanceleaf Coreopsis: A taller variety with narrower leaves.
Interesting Facts:
- Native American tribes used Plains Coreopsis to make yellow dye.
- Plains Coreopsis is a pioneer species that can thrive in disturbed areas.
Final Thoughts: Transforming Your Yard into a Northwest bird habitat
The Northwest boasts a bird community adapted to cold and snowy open plains and humid and chilly conditions along the coastal areas. By incorporating the native plants recommended throughout this blog post, you can create a haven that caters to their needs.
Whether you reside in Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Northern California or the Canadian Provinces Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, these native plants will thrive in the Southwest’s climate.
Remember, even a small patch in your yard planted with native blooms can make a positive impact.