Examples of Native Plants That Support Local Wildlife

A wildlife-friendly garden starts with the right plants. While many ornamental plants look beautiful, they often do little for local wildlife—especially if they are non-native or heavily hybridized. Native plants, on the other hand, offer:

• High-quality food (nectar, pollen, leaves, seeds, berries)
• Shelter and nesting sites for birds, insects, and small mammals
• Better adaptation to local climate and soil, which usually means less water, fertilizer, and fuss

Research from entomologist Dr. Douglas Tallamy and others has shown that native plants support far more caterpillar species than non-native plants, and caterpillars are a critical food source for baby birds. One study found that chickadees need thousands of caterpillars to raise a single brood, and they can only find them in yards with enough native plants.

Important Note: Native plants are region-specific. The examples below are commonly used across many parts of North America, but always double-check that a plant is native to your area using local resources or a native plant database.

In the sections that follow, you’ll find examples of:

• Nectar-rich plants for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds
• Seed and berry plants for birds
• Trees and shrubs that offer both food and shelter
• Groundcovers and grasses that support insects and small wildlife

1. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Essential for Monarch Butterflies

Milkweed is one of the most important native plants you can add if you want to help monarch butterflies and many other pollinators.

How Milkweed Supports Wildlife

• Host plant for monarch caterpillars: Monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed. The caterpillars feed on the leaves, which contain compounds that make them unpalatable to many predators.
• Nectar source: Milkweed flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Habitat diversity: Dense milkweed patches provide cover for insects and small creatures.

Common native species (varies by region):

• Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) – Eastern and central North America
• Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – Moist soils, rain gardens
• Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) – Dry, sunny spots, bright orange blooms

Planting and Care

• Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight)
• Soil: Varies by species; butterfly milkweed prefers well-drained, drier soils; swamp milkweed likes moist soils
• Water: Moderate; once established, many species are drought-tolerant

Pro Tip: Plant at least 3–5 milkweed plants together to create a noticeable patch for monarchs. Avoid using pesticides anywhere near milkweed, as they can harm caterpillars and adult butterflies.

2. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Long-Lasting Blooms for Pollinators and Birds

Purple coneflower is a hardy native perennial that offers months of color and multiple benefits for wildlife.

How Coneflower Supports Wildlife

• Summer nectar source: The daisy-like flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps.
• Fall and winter seeds: If you leave the seed heads standing, goldfinches and other small birds will feed on them through fall and into winter.
• Shelter: The sturdy stems and seed heads provide perching spots and winter structure for insects.

Planting and Care

• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates poor soils once established
• Water: Drought-tolerant after the first year

Wildlife-friendly tips:

• Plant in clumps of 3 or more to create a more visible target for pollinators.
• Avoid highly double-flowered ornamental cultivars; they may produce less nectar and fewer accessible seeds.

Important Note: Resist the urge to cut back coneflowers as soon as they fade. Leaving seed heads through winter turns your garden into a natural bird feeder.

3. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): Flowers, Fruit, and Shelter in One Plant

Serviceberry (also called Juneberry or shadbush) is a small native tree or large shrub that offers year-round interest and excellent wildlife value.

How Serviceberry Supports Wildlife

• Spring flowers: Early white blossoms provide nectar and pollen for native bees and early-emerging pollinators.
• Summer berries: The blueberry-like fruits are loved by robins, cedar waxwings, catbirds, and many other birds.
• Cover and nesting: With a typical height of 15–25 feet, serviceberry offers safe nesting sites and shelter.
• Fall color: Brilliant orange-red foliage adds beauty while continuing to provide cover.

Common native species:

• Amelanchier canadensis (Canadian serviceberry)
• Amelanchier arborea (downy serviceberry)
• Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon serviceberry, more common in western regions)

Planting and Care

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture, especially when young

Pro Tip: If you want berries for yourself and the birds, plant more than one serviceberry. Birds often strip a single tree in a day or two when the fruit ripens.

4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta and other Rudbeckia spp.): Bright Color, Big Benefits

Black-eyed Susans are cheerful, yellow-flowered natives that are easy to grow and highly attractive to wildlife.

How Black-Eyed Susan Supports Wildlife

• Pollinator magnet: The open, daisy-like flowers are perfect landing pads for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
• Seed source: Finches and other seed-eating birds feed on the ripe seed heads.
• Beneficial insect support: They attract predatory insects that help control garden pests.

Planting and Care

• Light: Full sun for best flowering
• Soil: Adaptable; tolerates clay and poor soils
• Water: Moderate; once established, often drought-tolerant

Wildlife-friendly design ideas:

• Mix black-eyed Susans with coneflowers and native grasses for a prairie-style bed.
• Let some plants self-seed to create a naturalized, meadow-like effect.

Important Note: Some Rudbeckia species are short-lived perennials or biennials but reseed readily. This can be a benefit in wildlife gardens, where a slightly “wilder” look is welcome.

5. Native Grasses (e.g., Little Bluestem, Switchgrass): Structure and Shelter

Native grasses are often overlooked, but they are critical for many insects, birds, and small mammals.

How Native Grasses Support Wildlife

• Winter shelter: Dense clumps and standing stems provide hiding places for overwintering insects and small animals.
• Nesting material: Birds use grass blades and stems to build nests.
• Seeds: Many native grasses produce seeds that feed sparrows and other birds.

Helpful native grass options:

• Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – Attractive blue-green foliage turning copper in fall; great for dry, sunny areas.
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – Taller (3–6 feet), provides vertical structure and seed for birds.
• Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) – Fine-textured, fragrant, and excellent for borders.

Planting and Care

• Light: Full sun is best for most prairie grasses
• Soil: Well-drained to moderately moist, depending on species
• Water: Once established, many native grasses are quite drought-tolerant

Pro Tip: Leave native grasses standing through winter and cut them back in late winter or very early spring. This protects overwintering insects and provides visual interest in the off-season.

6. Wild Bergamot / Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma): Hummingbird and Bee Favorite

Wild bergamot (often called bee balm) is a showy native with tubular flowers that are especially attractive to hummingbirds and long-tongued bees.

How Bee Balm Supports Wildlife

• Nectar for hummingbirds: The tubular blooms are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks.
• Pollinator diversity: Attracts bumblebees, butterflies, and other native bees.
• Cover: Dense, upright stems provide hiding spots for small insects.

Common native species:

• Monarda fistulosa – Often lavender to pale purple flowers
• Monarda didyma – Red flowers, especially loved by hummingbirds

Planting and Care

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is ideal
• Water: Prefers consistent moisture, especially in hot climates

Important Note: Bee balm can be prone to powdery mildew, especially in humid regions. Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease problems.

7. Oak Trees (Quercus spp.): Keystone Species for Wildlife

If you have the space, planting a native oak may be the single most impactful thing you can do for local wildlife. Research has shown that native oaks support more caterpillar species than almost any other plant group—often hundreds of species in a single region.

How Oaks Support Wildlife

• Caterpillar host: Caterpillars of moths and butterflies feed on oak leaves, which in turn feed nestling birds.
• Acorns: Provide food for squirrels, jays, turkeys, deer, and many other animals.
• Shelter and nesting sites: Large branches and cavities offer homes for birds, mammals, and insects.
• Long-term habitat: Oaks can live for centuries, providing stable habitat over generations.

Planting and Care

• Light: Full sun for best growth
• Soil: Varies by species; many tolerate a range of conditions
• Water: Deep watering when young; many species are drought-tolerant once established

Pro Tip: Choose an oak species native to your local region (for example, white oak, bur oak, or live oak, depending on your area). Local native plant societies or extension services can help you pick the right one.

How to Choose the Right Native Plants for Your Area

Because “native” is region-specific, the plants listed above should be treated as a starting point, not a one-size-fits-all list.

Step 1: Identify Your Region and Conditions

• Climate zone: Check your USDA hardiness zone.
• Sun exposure: Note which areas are full sun, part shade, or full shade.
• Soil type: Is it sandy, clay, or loamy? Does water drain quickly or sit after rain?

Step 2: Use Reliable Native Plant Resources

• Use tools like the USDA PLANTS Database to verify whether a plant is native to your state or region.
• Many universities and cooperative extensions offer region-specific native plant lists (for example, state university extension websites ending in .edu).

Step 3: Start Small and Observe

• Begin with a few well-chosen plants rather than trying to redo your entire yard at once.
• Watch which plants attract the most wildlife and adjust future plantings accordingly.

Pro Tip: Aim for plant diversity. A mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses that bloom and fruit at different times of year will support the widest range of wildlife.

Simple Design Ideas for a Wildlife-Friendly Native Garden

You don’t need a huge space to make a difference. Try one of these approaches:

1. Pollinator Patch

• Combine milkweed, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and bee balm in a sunny bed.
• Add a shallow water dish with stones for bees and butterflies to land on.

2. Bird-Friendly Corner

• Plant a serviceberry or other native fruiting shrub.
• Underplant with native grasses and seed-producing perennials like coneflower.
• Leave seed heads and grasses standing through winter.

3. Mini Meadow or Prairie Strip

• Convert part of your lawn to a mix of native grasses (little bluestem, switchgrass) and wildflowers.
• Mow or cut back only once a year in late winter or early spring.

Important Note: Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in wildlife gardens whenever possible. These chemicals can harm the very insects and birds you are trying to support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I know if a plant is truly native to my area?

Check reputable databases and local resources. In the United States, the USDA PLANTS Database and state university extension websites are good starting points. Local native plant societies and botanical gardens are also excellent sources of region-specific guidance.

2. Are all “butterfly bushes” good for wildlife?

No. The commonly sold butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is non-native and can be invasive in some regions. While it provides nectar, it does not serve as a host plant for local caterpillars and can escape into natural areas. It’s better to plant native nectar plants (like bee balm, coneflower, and milkweed) that support multiple life stages of butterflies and other insects.

3. Will a native plant garden look messy?

Not necessarily. You can design a native plant garden to look tidy by:

• Planting in defined beds with clear edges
• Repeating a few key plants for a cohesive look
• Using paths, mulch, or low borders to frame wilder areas

Leaving some seed heads and grasses standing for wildlife does create a more natural look, but it can still be intentional and attractive.

4. Do native plants require less water and maintenance?

Often yes, once they are established, because they are adapted to local conditions. However, they still need proper care in the first 1–2 years:

• Regular watering until roots are established
• Mulching to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
• Occasional pruning or thinning to keep plants healthy

Over time, a well-chosen native plant garden usually needs less input than a traditional lawn or high-maintenance ornamental bed.

5. Can I grow native plants in containers or on a balcony?

Yes, many smaller native perennials and grasses do well in containers, such as coneflower, black-eyed Susan, bee balm, and some milkweed species. Use a large pot with good drainage, high-quality potting mix, and be prepared to water more frequently than in-ground plantings. Even a few containers can provide valuable nectar and habitat in urban settings.

By choosing native plants thoughtfully and giving them a bit of time to settle in, you can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant, living landscape that supports local wildlife all year long.