Native plants and trees are healthier for bird and wildlife populations.
- They provide seeds and berries that are typically consumed
- They provide the proper habitat for insects consumed by bird populations in the region
- They typically do not compete for space, growing out-of-control, becoming invasive
Native plants form the basis of our ecosystem and food web and contribute to the region’s biodiversity. The seeds, nuts, berries and nectar are digestible, nutritious and well-timed for local wildlife, unlike those of non-natives. Native plants have co-evolved with the insects, that are the primary food of many birds and other animals, and provide important shelter and support for them. Our native tree, White Oak (Quercus alba) support over 500 caterpillar species compared to the non-native Gingko Tree, which supports only 5 species. This is significant as it takes over 6000 caterpillars to raise one brood of chickadees!
Native plants don’t need fertilizers, extra watering, or pesticides since they are adapted to local conditions. As their roots grow much deeper, they can effectively reduce stormwater run-off when integrated into rain gardens, bioswales, and riparian buffers, so necessary for our green infrastructure.
Native Plant Resources
DCNR: Landscaping with Native Plants: a blog post
Audubon: 10 Native Plants for a Bird-Friendly Yard: a blog post
A Plant Identification Database
All About Birds from Cornell: The Best Trees, Vines and Shrubs to Plant for Birds: Starter List
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society: Native Plant Source List
Audubon: Get to Know These 20 Common Types of Native Plants
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve: Top 10 Native Plants for Birds
Top 10 Plants for Your Habitat Garden
Top-10-Natives-for-Butterflies-and-Moths
Building Bird Habitat One Plant at a Time
NATIVE PLANTS FOR BIRDS
INTERACTIVE!
Click the link below to access Audubon’s interactive native plants database.
You’ll get to explore the best plants for birds in your area, as well as local resources and links to more information.
Once you are finished, you’ll receive an emailed list of the native plants you’ve selected, get additional tips on creating your bird-friendly habitat, and help Audubon keep track of your contributions the Audubon goal of 1 million native plants for birds in the ground.
We’ve compiled a list of garden design companies that focus primarily or exclusively on the use of native plants. The list notes which of these companies offer landscape maintenance services in addition to design services. Bird Town Pennsylvania is providing this list as a public service for individuals and communities who are looking to hire a company to design and install native plants.
Please note that this list is provided for informational purposes only and may not include all businesses that offer these services. Inclusion on this list does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, approval or certification by Bird Town Pennsylvania or the Pennsylvania Audubon Council. Bird Town Pennsylvania does not verify qualifications or guarantee the quality, business practices, or outcomes of any listed company. If you are considering hiring one of these companies, you are responsible for doing your own research and due diligence.
If you have a garden design business with a focus on native plants and would like to be added to this list, please email pabirdtown@gmail.com and provide the business name, web address, and location.