Planting for Winter Wildlife

Did you know that there is a way to feed birds and squirrels during the winter without the use of a bird feeder? Numerous plants, vines, and tree species set seeds in the fall that persist into the winter.

What native species should one consider to provide food and shelter during the winter? Here is a list of some species that provide food for wildlife during the Maryland winter.

● Acorns from oak trees provide proteins, fats, and vitamins for squirrels, turkeys, deer, and woodpeckers. Oaks are also extremely valuable trees for insects that attract birds.

● Some other trees native to Maryland that provide fruit for wildlife include Crabapples, Hawthorns, American beech, Bitternut hickory, Black walnut, American holly, Hackberry, and Persimmon.

● Shrubs that can provide winter food for wildlife include Inkberry, Staghorn sumac, Cranberry, Arrowood viburnum, and Red chokecherry.

● Note both male and female American holly trees, Eastern Red cedar, and Inkberry shrubs should be planted for pollination.

● Evergreen trees such as Eastern Red cedar, Loblolly pine, Canadian hemlock, White pine, Colorado Blue spruce, and Norway spruce can provide food and shelter during harsh winter conditions. Granted, some of these species aren’t native to Maryland but they are common landscape trees. Needles, twigs, bark, and seeds contained in the cones can provide nourishment.

What plant species native to Maryland can provide food for wildlife during the winter?

● American bittersweet is a native vine whose berries persist into winter.

● Virginia creeper is a vine that produces fruit in the fall that lasts into the winter.

● Dried purple coneflower seed and Ironweed seed heads attract birds.

● Sedums after blooming in the fall produce seeds that several bird species depend on.

● Partridgeberry plants can provide berries for wildlife in December.

● Elderberry is another plant that often sprouts up that can provide berries in late fall.

Planting trees and shrubs in groups on the edge of your lawn is a way to provide shelter for birds. Planting evergreens in a row can provide a wind break along with providing food. And if one leaves a mulch layer of leaves in the fall, that can provide winter shelter for important overwintering insects. The birds will forage through the leaves for insects that provide needed protein to survive the winter. A little research into trees and shrub species before one plants their property can yield valuable results for producing food for your local wildlife. Take some time, read some articles, and shop wisely for appropriate planting material. You will likely be happy with your results over time. Below are some additional sources of information:

1. Attracting Wildlife | University of Maryland Extension

2. Winter Greens for Wildlife

3. Landscaping for Wildlife: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

College Park Tree & Landscape Board