Easy to Grow Trees and Shrubs for Birds and Wildlife

This list contains some of the most well known and easy to grow shrubs and trees. They all have something in common besides branches and leaves that provides homes and shelter. These ten shrubs and trees also provide food for the birds and wildlife that will visit them. The fruits and berries from several of these shrubs and trees are favorites of several species of birds.

The following list includes something for almost every region and zone in North America. If replacing or adding a tree or shrub to the landscape is on the "to-do" list anyway, choosing one for the birds is a beautiful addition, as well as beneficial. The more birds attracted to the backyard, the less insect problems during the warm months.

Viburnum:

Viburnum is a shrub that has a large selection of native North American varieties available. Some viburnum shrubs are deciduous and others are evergreen. Several of the deciduous types have colorful fall foliage. The native habitat of viburnum shrubs are very similar to that of the flowering dogwood. The understory of large trees is the ideal location for them where they'll receive shade to part sun.

They're excellent grouped together in shrub borders or as a single specimen plant. This shrub makes a great habitat for birds. Several species of birds actually prefer shrubs as shelter and nesting sites instead of trees. The viburnum varieties that produce berries in late summer or fall are also a significant food source for many birds. The large varieties of viburnum can be pruned into a more manageable size.

Height: 2 to 30 feet (many are in the 4 to 6 ft. range)Flowers and fruit: The beautiful white flowers are sometimes fragrant and bloom in spring and last through summer. Some of these shrubs also have showy clusters of beautiful red berries
Best varieties to try: Cranberry viburnum (V. Trilobum) is tough variety. Nannyberry viburnum (V. lentago) produces berries and it also produces sucker plants. Arrowwood viburnum (V. Dentatum) makes a great choice for nesting and shelter.
USDA Zones: 3-8

Holly (Ilex)