Berry Plants
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) A holly that loses its leaves in the fall, winterberryis loved by humans and birds alike for the brilliant red berries that light up the winter landscape. Sure, cut some branches for decoration, but leave most for the birds that rely on them. Winterberry needs a male planted nearby for the female to produce berries. Also try yaupon holly (I. vomitoria). Learn more about hollies in 9 Holly and Ivy Plants for Good Tidings in the Garden. Origin: Native to the eastern United States Where it will grow: Hardy from -40 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 3 to 9; find your zone) Water requirement: Moist to wet soil Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: 3 to 12 feet tall and wide Attracts: A wide variety of birds, including cedar waxwings, scrub jays, robins — even ducks and wild turkeys
Northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) Bayberry’s waxy gray berries are what the early-American settlers used to make candles with, so it’s no surprise that bayberry has the highest fat content of all berries. That makes it a terrific food for smaller birds, many of which shiver through the night as a way to keep warm, which requires a lot of energy. Bayberry needs male and female plants for berries. Also try Pacific wax myrtle (M. californica). Origin: Native to eastern North America Where it will grow: Hardy from -40 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 3 to 7) Water requirement: Dry to medium soil Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: 5 to 10 feet tall and wide Attracts: Chickadees, woodpeckers, swallows, bluebirds, warblers and many others
Q