Native Plants for Midwest Birdwatchers

Birdwatching has quickly become a very popular pastime and it is easy to see why – it is exciting! We immerse ourselves in nature and go out with our binoculars in hopes to see something new and exciting. While hiking is always fun, we can plant native plants to bring birds into our own backyards. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, providing essential food and shelter for birds. Here, we explore some of the top native plants that can transform your backyard into a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Native Forbs

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Not only does Echinacea provide beautiful rosy-purple flowers during the summer months, it also provides food for Goldfinches, Chickadees, and Northern Cardinals.
• Rudbeckia hirta (Black Eyed Susans) – This drought tolerant biennial flowers bright gold flowers June – September. Goldfinches, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Sparrows love their seed heads.
• Liatris species (Blazing Star) – This sun loving native plant adds bright purple flower wands to the garden that birds love to perch on. Indigo Buntings, Pine Siskins, and Dark-eyed Juncos enjoy Liatris seeds in the fall.
• Symphyotrichum novae–angliae (New England Aster) – This purple, fall flowering native plant provides a later season food source and is enjoyed by Eastern Bluebirds, Black-capped Chickadees, and White-throated Sparrows.
• Eutrochium purpureum (Joe-Pye Weed) – This tall, stately native plant provides a perching location for birds, as well as food for Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Towhee, and Purple Finches.

Native Grasses & Sedges

• Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) – this iconic prairie grass is an excellent source of food for Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Meadowlark, and Savannah Sparrow.
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – With its steely blue foliage, Little Bluestem is an attractive garden plant while providing seed for Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, and American Goldfinch.
• Carex vulpinoidea (Fox Sedge) – This sedge appreciates being in wetter soil conditions and will provide a dense growth that provides protection for waterfowl. Wood Ducks, Mallards, and Northern Pintails love their seed heads.
• Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) – Another wetland sedge that can provide nesting habitat for ducks, their seed heads also provide food for Wood Ducks, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat and Eastern Kingbirds. The seeds and tubers are also enjoyed by Sandhill Cranes.

Native Shrubs

• Sambucus canadensis (Common Elderberry) – This large statured shrub not only provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds, it also provides nutrient-rich berries that are loved by Baltimore Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, and Brown Thrashers.
• Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) – Great for wetter areas and pond edges, Buttonbush provides seed that attracts Wood Ducks, Northern Pintails, and Blue-winged Teals.

Food is just one element to bringing birds to our backyards. Shelter is key, so considering some of the larger shrubs on the list will help ensure they have a place of protection from weather or predators. Larger shrubs can also provide a safe place for nesting. Water is also important. Try integrating a birdbath or small water feature to provide fresh water and remember to keep the water clean. Incorporating native plants into your garden not only enhances the beauty of your landscape but also creates a vital habitat for birds. By choosing plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites, you can transform your backyard into a haven for birdwatching. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or a novice, these plants will bring the joys of birdwatching right to your doorstep. So, get planting and enjoy the sights and sounds of Illinois’ vibrant birdlife!