Judi Manning

Shrubs are important for the survival of wildlife. National Public radio had a recent story stating there has been a 30% decline in robins and wood thrushes. Bird and mammal archeologists feel this decline is because people are planting more non-native, thorn less shrubs. These shrubs are 1 to 2 meters shorter than the native shrubs which robins and thrushes prefer to nest in. This enables raccoons and other predators to get into the shrubs and easily rob the nests.

Shrubs to consider if you are adding additional landscaping or remodeling your existing plantings:

American Cranberry 34 wildlife species use for food, summer cover, and nesting. This is a medium-to-large shrub that has clusters of white flowers in the spring and red foliage in the fall. The berries last from fall to spring. It is adaptable to many different conditions and there are many varieties available.

American Holly (a/k/a/ Winterberry) 48 wildlife species use the fall berries and leafy cover. This mid-sized bush has red berries and prefers moist soils. Make sure you have both a male and a female plant.

Gray and Red-twig Dogwood 47 wildlife species use this bush that has summer berries and provides nesting and good cover. This medium size bush has white flowers and berries. Gray dogwood prefers upland areas and red dogwood prefers moist or wet conditions.

High-bush and Low-bush Blueberries 53 wildlife species are attracted to it for cover, nesting and food. This is a spreading shrub with white flowers and blue/purple fruits. It prefers acid, organic soil.

Red Chokecherry trees provide dense growth and attracts 12 wildlife species. It has red winter berries and red foliage in the fall which turns green during the growing season. It is adaptable to many conditions.