Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

DONATE TODAY

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
1 rating

Friday - May 07, 2010

From: Bellingham, WA
Region: Northwest
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Plants for a mixed hedgerow for privacy and for the birds
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What are the best native plants for a mixed hedgerow in a small backyard? I want privacy (heights 5'-10') and bird friendly. Thank you for your information.

ANSWER:

You can visit the Washington Recommended native plant list for commercially available landscaping plants for your area.  Use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to select 'Shrub' from the General Appearance box.  You can also enter other preferences for Light Requirement, Soil Moisture, etc.

Here are a few suggestions from the list for your mixed hedge row:

Cornus sericea (redosier dogwood)

Gaultheria shallon (salal)

Mahonia aquifolium (hollyleaved barberry)

Morella californica (California wax myrtle) and here are photos and more information.

Rhus glabra (smooth sumac)

Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry)

Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea (blue elder)

Viburnum edule (squashberry)

Here are photos from our Image Gallery:


Cornus sericea

Gaultheria shallon

Mahonia aquifolium

Rhus glabra

Rubus spectabilis

Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea

Viburnum edule

 

 
 

More Wildlife Gardens Questions

Grasses and wildflowers for Houston meadow
February 28, 2008 - I recently bought a house in a new subdivision just south of Houston - as with most new developments, the area is devoid of nature for the most part... I have planted many bird/butterfly/bee fr...
view the full question and answer

Foundation plants for Albuquerque.
July 01, 2012 - Hello, I live in Albuquerque. I am looking for some native/xeric low water usage plants for foundation plants for my home. They will be foundation plants for a two story home that has a large ponde...
view the full question and answer

Importance of native plants for wildlife.
March 04, 2008 - I just read Donald Tellamy's new book,Bringing Nature Home. He documents how native plants provide more nourishment for wildlife than introduced plants. The definition of native plants that I use is ...
view the full question and answer

Xeriscape demonstration garden
October 30, 2007 - I am working with the city of Schertz to rejuvenate a xeriscape demonstration garden. We want to plant a hummingbird/butterfly garden using native plants. The current bed is currently overrun with ber...
view the full question and answer

Bee Plants for Victoria Texas
March 09, 2013 - I live in Victoria south Texas and want to plant bee beneficial native wildflowers, could you provide advice or contact
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.