Of all wildlife that frequent our gardens, birds are some of the most favored—and for good reason. Not only are they lovely to look at and listen to, backyard birds play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems all around the world. With most of their diets consisting of insects and other pests, birds assist in keeping pest populations down. They also play a part in pollination by dispersing seeds and pollen all throughout their territories.
Attracting birds to your garden can elevate it to become a vibrant and joyous sanctuary, and this can be made simple when you add the right plants. From flowers to trees to shrubs, there are some plants that birds in the South are more susceptible to visiting. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of plants that will attract birds to your garden this season.
Flowers That Attract Birds
Purple Coneflower
This popular perennial is easy to grow and known for its beautiful purple hue and droopy petals. Getting the name from their cone-shaped center, a wide variety of birds enjoy the seeds from spent flowers.
Attracts: Cardinals, Finches, Chickadees, Jays
Black-Eyed Susans
An early summer bloomer, black-eyed Susans will attract a myriad of insects that are favored by insectivorous birds. The classic yellow and black flowers have seed heads with tiny dark seeds that attract a variety of bird species.
Attracts: Nuthatches, Grosbeaks, Finches, Chickadees, Cardinals
Common Milkweed
While the common milkweed is known for attracting the endangered monarch butterflies, they also attract a wide variety of insects that birds feed on. The dainty purple flowers are a welcome sight in any garden and bring wonderful biodiversity to anywhere it inhabits.
Attracts: Finches, Sparrows, Juncos
Tickseed
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, gets its claim to fame from its gorgeous bright hues of yellow and red that make any garden glow. These flowers are long-lasting and are tolerable to many types of soil.
Attracts: Finches, Cardinals, Buntings, Grosbeaks
Sunflower
Ever so iconic, sunflowers are an absolute favorite among humans and birds alike. The seeds from the sunflower heads have a high nutritional value that keeps birds healthy and strong throughout the season. Easy to grow and lovely to see, sunflowers are a fantastic option for your garden.
Attracts: Cardinals, Hummingbirds, Orioles, Finches, Titmice, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Grosbeaks, Woodpeckers
Asters
Few flowers are as cheerful as the aster. A member of the daisy family, these gorgeous purple flowers form nutritious seeds that are vital for a variety of birds.
Attracts: Finches, Sparrows, Cardinals, Towhees
Zinnias
Zinnias are the perfect plant if you’re looking to add color into your garden. These long-lasting annual flowers are loved by birds and bugs for their bright blooms and nutritious seeds.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Finches, Chickadees
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Don’t be alarmed by the word “honeysuckle”; these aren’t the invasive species you may be thinking of. Trumpet honeysuckle is a vine with bright red flowers that are loved for their nectar and berries. Trumpet honeysuckle begins to flower in mid-spring and can be used as a ground cover or climbing vine.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Robins, Finches, Orioles, Thrashers, Catbirds
Trees That Attract Birds
Red Mulberry
Red mulberry trees are bountiful trees that produce blackberry-like fruits that are a wonderful in birds’ diets. The leaves also attract insects that some wild birds eat, including silkworms.
Attracts: Cardinals, Mockingbirds, Thrashers, Jays, Robins, Titmice, Bluebirds, Woodpeckers, Vireos
Juneberry
Also known as a serviceberry, the juneberry tree booms with beautiful snowy white flowers which attract insects that attract birds. In the summer, the tree produces purple and red berries which are nutrient-rich and appeal to a wide variety of birds.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Orioles, Grosbeaks, Bluebirds, Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks
Flowering Dogwood
Cherished for its stunning pink or white flowers in the spring, this smaller tree is often found in the among other hardwood species. Birds are drawn to dogwoods for their bright red fruit and will feed on any insects that are attracted to the blooms.
Attracts: Robins, Thrashers, Waxwings, Mockingbirds, Cardinals, Tanagers, Woodpeckers
Shrubs That Attract Birds
Mapleleaf Viburnum
Mapleleaf viburnum is one of the most versatile yet tolerant plants you can have in your garden. These stunning shrubs produces a multitude of colors throughout the seasons and work well among other plants. You’ll see dainty white flowers in spring and bluish-black berries in fall, which attract local birds and insects. You may even catch birds taking shelter and building nests in their branches.
Attracts: Robins, Waxwings, Tanagers, Thrushes, Sparrows
Black Elderberry
The berries from the American black elderberry may just be considered a favorite among many backyard birds—and humans too. The flowers of this species are used to make wine and the fruits are used to make pies and various jams and preserves, so you and your birds can reap the benefits of this versatile shrub.
Attracts: Robins, Thrashers, Towhees, Catbirds, Mockingbirds, Orioles, Vireos, Tanagers, Warblers
