Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - March 25, 2013
From: TOTOWA, NJ
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Wildlife Gardens, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Shade-loving plants for birds in New Jersey
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What native plants should I add to my property, Zone 6, to feed birds naturally? I have a heavily treed lot, so I'd like names of shade loving perennials. Seed or fruit bearing options would be great. I've discovered Gaultheria, and my garden center could get it for me. Please answer as quickly as possible, so that I can get them in at the end of April or early May. My Town is up in arms over birders.ANSWER:
Gaultheria procumbens (Eastern teaberry) is certainly an excellent choice for a low-growing evergreen plant with berries attractive to birds and is native to New Jersey.
Below is a list of other plants native to your area that have fruits or flowers that are attractive to birds and will grow in part shade or shade. They range in size from heights of 2 inches up to 30 or so feet.
Amelanchier canadensis (Canadian serviceberry) grows to 20 feet in sun, part shade or shade.
Eutrochium purpureum (Purple joepyeweed) grows to 6 feet in sun, part shade or shade.
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower) grows to 6 feet in sun, part shade or shade and is especially attractive to hummingbirds.
Maianthemum racemosum ssp. racemosum (Feathery false lily of the valley) grows to 3 feet in part shade and shade.
Mitchella repens (Partridgeberry) grows to only 2 inches high in part shade and shade.
Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry) grows to 30 feet in sun, part shade or shade.
Vaccinium angustifolium (Late lowbush blueberry) grows to 2 feet high in sun, part shade or shade.
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (Common elderberry) grows in partial shade to 12 feet.
Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa (Red elderberry) grows in shade to 20 feet.
You can also go to the New Jersey Recommended page to find a list of commercially available plants native to your area. If you use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option on that page, you can limit the list to plants that will grow in the shade and then scan through the list for those plants with fruits that are used by birds.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Perennial Suggestions for Under Ash Trees in Minnesota
June 12, 2013 - With our house we have inherited 2 ash trees in our front yard with a large amount landscaping underneath. I'm replacing the landscaping but there are tree roots at the surface preventing me from bei...
view the full question and answer
Native trees for Medford MA
April 07, 2011 - Two quick questions. 1) what trees would grow happily along the banks of the Mystic River in Medford, MA? 2) Would it be o.k. to plant weeping willows? Are they indigenous to the area? I'm not a pur...
view the full question and answer
Hiring a landscaper in New Jersey
July 28, 2008 - Soon I will be hiring a landscaper to plant a privacy line of arborvitaes with a 1' retention wall and I need some help on prices. The quote I was given, which included 48 arborvitaes (and I will ac...
view the full question and answer
Looking for a Privacy Barrier Plant for NC
August 21, 2014 - I am trying to determine the best plant for a privacy barrier for my area in NC that has clay soil. I have a 6 foot high fence but need something 12 feet or taller. It has to be something that does no...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen tree for Southern California coast
July 06, 2010 - I need a tree that is evergreen, non invasive roots that is not messy that can be kept at around 20 feet. We are at the edge of the thermal layer from the ocean. Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |