A garden rich in native plants can become a vital stop for birds—especially during spring and fall migrations. By planting a variety of bird‐friendly species, you provide essential food sources for birds at key times of year. Here are some of our favorites—not to mention the birds!

• Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum): Produces abundant blue‐black berries in late summer and fall that feed Eastern Bluebirds, Northern Cardinals, Cedar Waxwings, and Hermit Thrushes.
• Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw Viburnum): Offers berries in fall for American Robins, Eastern Towhees, and Scarlet Tanagers.
• Helianthus occidentalis (McDowell’s Sunflower): Nectar attracts hummingbirds in summer; seeds feed American Goldfinches, House Finches, and Chipping Sparrows.
• Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star): Nectar attracts Ruby‐throated Hummingbirds, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, and other pollinators; seeds feed Purple Finches and Dark‐eyed Juncos.
• Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant): Seeds feed Goldfinches, Chipping Sparrows, and Eastern Towhees. Water collected in leaf cups is used by small songbirds.
• Asimina triloba (Pawpaw): Fruit attracts Wild Turkeys, Ruffed Grouse, and Northern Cardinals; leaves are host to the Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly.
• Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem): Seeds feed Song Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, and Cardinals.
• Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass): Seeds support White‐crowned Sparrows, Field Sparrows, and White‐throated Sparrows; grasses provide shelter for American Goldfinches.
• Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly): Bright berries in winter feed American Robins, Eastern Dark‐eyed Juncos; provides cover for nesting birds.
• Cornus racemosa (Gray Dogwood): Produces berries for Eastern Bluebirds, American Robins, and Gray Catbirds, Bluebirds, and Hermit Thrushes.
• Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry): Spring flowers attract early pollinators; berries feed Eastern Towhees, Eastern Bluebirds, Scarlet Tanagers, and Northern Cardinals.