This section contains information about Hardiness Zone 4 plants that may be beneficial for birds and wildlife. Planting specific trees, shrubs, and flowers for the purpose of attracting birds to the yard is becoming increasingly popular. Along with all the interest, an increase in the varieties of plant species available to wildlife landscapers is also occurring at a dramatic rate. For that reason, confusion associated with colloquial common names, or discrepancies in listed hardiness zone tolerances by different nursery companies and web sites can lead to frustration when trying to select the right plants for your yard.
Sunflower Bird watchers know the value of offering sunflower seeds to the birds in feeders. So why not offer sunflower seeds in a natural setting? Black oil and striped sunflower seeds for planting different varieties are easy to find at local stores. Planted early enough, mature plants will offer a new perspective to your landscape […]
read moreColorado Blue Spruce Excellent cold hardy, and drought resistant, Colorado Blue Spruce is also attractive as a food source for grouse, and various finches including crossbills, siskins, and nuthatches. Like most conifers, it provides excellent nesting, roosting, and winter cover for numerous small birds. Grows 60 to 100′ high with a 15 to […]
read moreSilver Lace Vine Botanical name: Fallopia aubertii – or Polygonum aubertii, growing best in full sun to patrial shsde as a 20-40′ vine with good spread Caution: This plant is often sold as a zone 4 plant, though some companies list the same botanical name as a zone 5. Zone 4 might need additional care […]
read morePurple Coneflower Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea. Purple Coneflower enjoys full sun/part shade, and grows 2-4′ tall. The purple flowers last long in bloom (from July through September); attracting a variety of butterflies. Grows up to four feet tall in moderately dry to slightly damp soil, in full sun or light shade. The seed heads are […]
read moreMillet This tiny seed grows best in full sun/part shade, and forms a vertical cone-shaped head 3-4′ tall. The hulls have a dull shine, yellow-gold or red-brown in some varieties. They have terrific survival abilities, responding equally well in drought and water-logged conditions. Millet prefers hot summers and is very drought-resistant once established. For best […]
read moreLiatris (Blazing Star) will possibly serve two purposes for attracting birds. First, the plants have great attraction for butterflies and bees; blooming in August and September, which could bring about insect eating species such as flycatchers. Secondly, the produce a large quantity of seeds in the late fall which can be eaten on the stalk […]
read moreHickory (Shagbark) If you enjoy Blue Jays, you’ll want to plant at least one hickory tree in your yard. The nut of the hickory – maturing from September to October – is sweet and delicious, and must be considered a delicacy to jays who seem to flock to it constantly when ripened. You’ll have to […]
read moreEastern White Cedar
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- 2013
- By Rog
- Seed Bearing & Others
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Eastern White Cedar Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis. a Zone 3 tolerant plant growing best in full sun to partial shade, and reaching 20-40′ tall/10-20′ wide. Frequently referred to as Arborvitae, (Tree of Life) because the Native Americans and early European explorers used the foliage – which is rich in vitamin C – to treat scurvy. […]
read moreAmerican bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) American Bittersweet is a deciduous twining woody vine that is best known for its showy orange-red berries that brighten up fall and winter landscapes. reaching 15-20′ tall/ 3-6′ wide it is not a first choice of birds, however, the fruits hold on during the winter which may provide an additional […]
read moreThe Variegated Wiegela (Weigela florida) is a compact, deciduous shrub growing 4-6′ high and wide. It has gray leaves with yellow/cream fringes, and dark pink flowers. Dark pink flowers with pale pink-white interiors appear in late spring to early summer, which are attractive to hummingbirds. Gold edged leaves and glossy green centers make flowers […]
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