Bluebirds are a joy to watch, with their brilliant blue plumage and melodious songs. While bird feeders and birdhouses are common ways to attract these lovely creatures to your yard, incorporating certain plants can also play a significant role. Plants not only provide shelter but can also supply essential food sources in the form of fruits and insects. Here, we’ll explore seven plants that are particularly effective at attracting beautiful bluebirds to your garden.
1. Dogwood Trees (Cornus spp.)
Dogwood trees are not only known for their striking beauty but also their ability to attract bluebirds. These trees produce fruits that bluebirds and other bird species find irresistible. Additionally, the thick foliage offers ample nesting opportunities and protection. Dogwoods come in various types, such as the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and the Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), each bearing fruit at different times, thus providing a longer feeding season for the birds.
2. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Serviceberry, also known as Juneberry, is a fantastic choice for bluebird enthusiasts. This small tree or large shrub produces sweet, edible berries in early summer that attract bluebirds, robins, and even chipmunks. Beyond its fruit, the serviceberry is also appreciated for its lovely white spring blossoms and striking fall foliage, making it a year-round addition to any garden.
3. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
The Eastern Red Cedar is an evergreen that provides excellent winter shelter for bluebirds and other birds. Its blueish berries, although more favored by cedar waxwings, are also a food source for bluebirds. Planting this tree can give bluebirds a reason to visit your yard year-round, plus it offers the added benefit of being drought-resistant and adaptable to various soil types.
4. American Holly (Ilex opaca)
American Holly is another evergreen that’s great for attracting bluebirds due to its bright red berries, which are typically available throughout winter when food is scarce. The dense foliage also provides excellent cover from predators. Holly requires a male and female plant nearby to produce berries, so make sure you have both sexes to ensure fruit production.
5. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Viburnums are versatile shrubs that provide a triple benefit: they produce attractive flowers, dense foliage, and clusters of berry-like drupes that bluebirds love. Different varieties of viburnum, like the American Cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum) and the Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), bear fruits at different times, helping to extend the feeding period for bluebirds.
6. Sumac (Rhus spp.)
Sumac is often overlooked as a garden plant, yet it’s one of the best for attracting wildlife, including bluebirds. These shrubs or small trees produce clusters of red berries that persist through winter, offering a valuable food source when insects are hard to find. Sumac also adds a splash of color with its fiery fall foliage.
7. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
No bluebird-friendly garden would be complete without sunflowers. While bluebirds don’t typically eat the seeds, the flowers attract insects, which in turn serve as an excellent protein source for bluebirds. Moreover, sunflowers are easy to grow and add a cheerful element to any landscape.
Conclusion: Creating a Bluebird Haven
Attracting bluebirds to your yard can be as simple as planting the right flora. By choosing a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers like those listed above, you not only provide necessary food and shelter but also create a vibrant ecosystem in your garden. Remember, the key to a successful bluebird habitat is diversity, which ensures a steady food supply throughout the year. Start with a few of these bluebird-attracting plants and enjoy the flurry of winged visitors that they bring to your outdoor space.