We all love holly for the holidays, and so do birds. We value native hollies for decorations and for landscaping, while birds appreciate their berries, abundant during the lean times of winter. The American holly, (Ilex opaca), is the only native holly with evergreen spiny leaves and red berries – the classic characteristics of holly. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Holly"
Bring both berries and birds to your garden with a native mulberry tree. There are two species native to North America – the red mulberry (Morus rubra) and the Texas mulberry (Morus microphylla). Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Mulberry Tree"
The beautiful red Canada columbine (Aqiulegia canadensis) is the only native columbine found throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Wild Columbine"
Native to much of Canada and the northern half of the United States, the beloved pussy willow (Salixdiscolor) heralds spring by bursting its bud scales, revealing catkins clothed in silk. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Pussy Willow"
Pines rank above every other conifer in their value as a food plant for birds and other wildlife. Winter, when their green limbs are often frosted with snow, is the one of best times of year to admire both their value and their beauty. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Pines"
Hawthorns (Crataegus genus) are small, craggy trees with angular branching reminiscent of bur oaks, but on a small scale. The stout often-branched thorns they sport, which range from one to three inches in length, add to their rugged looks. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Hawthorns"
There are three species of native dogwood trees found in the United States and southern Canada, all of which have outstanding value for landscaping, as well as for birds and wildlife. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Dogwood Trees"
Silphiums are classic prairie plants, once blossoming across almost two-thirds of the American continent. Robust and showy, the different species of silphium can be best distinguished by their leaves. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Silphiums"
The serviceberry (Amelanchiergenus) is a favorite of both native landscapers and bird lovers. It’s a four-season winner with a froth of delicate white blossoms in early spring, luscious blueberries by June, apricot to reddish bronze fall color, and silver-gray bark for winter interest. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Serviceberry"