Ask EcoBeneficial!
Helpful answers to readers' questions. Go ahead - just ask EcoBeneficial
Bird-Friendly Plants for Cape Cod?
I live one mile from the ocean on Cape Cod and would like to know what to plant to attract the greatest variety of birds. There is a lot of lawn around me and some trees, and ornamental foundation shrubs here and there. It looks more suburban than coastal scrub.
Answer:
Thanks for your question. Conditions on the seashore and areas close-by, can be very tough on plants that are not adapted to the windy conditions and challenging soils, not to mention the salt spray. If you were right on the seashore, there would be very few woody plants that you could grow. As you are a mile away from the shore with a more protected condition, you will be able to grow a wider array of plants.
Make sure to include layers in your landscape including trees, shrubs, flowering perennials and grasses. Diverse planting is optimal for the health of your ecosystem. Your goal is to offer cover (especially in winter), nesting sites, natural food sources for birds, and a clean, year-round, fresh water source.
Here are some high-value bird plants, native to your area, that you might consider planting:
Trees
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
American Holly (Ilex opaca) dioecious – get male and female plants
White Oak (Quercus alba)
Vines
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Shrubs
Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)
Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)
Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
Shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis)
Black Chokeberry (Photinia melanocarpa)
Inkberry (Ilex glabra) dioecious – get male and female plants
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) dioecious – get male and female plants
Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) – needs acidic soil with soil pH < 5.5
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) – needs acidic soil with soil pH < 5.5
Virginia Rose (Rosa virginiana)
Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
Nanny Berry (Viburnum lentago)
Sub-Shrubs
Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Grasses
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Perennials
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)
Showy Aster (Eurybia spectabilis)
Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea)
Happy planting! from Kim Eierman at EcoBeneficial!
Photo: Robin devouring holly berries
Photo credit: John Flannery_Flickr
More from Ask EcoBeneficial!
Why So Much Damage on My White Pines?
I have a row of White Pines planted by the road in my front yard. This spring they look terrible. Is there anything I can do? Answer: Roadside plantings can be difficult for many reasons. Some of the biggest challenges include the impact of road salts in winter, pollutants from…
Is Red Morning Glory a Beneficial Plant?
Is Ipomoea coccinea (Red Morning Glory) beneficial to a wildlife garden in central NC? Answer: Hummingbirds are certainly attracted to the red tubular flowers of Red Morning Glory, and butterflies are also known to visit. But there is a caveat when considering this plant for a wildlife garden. Many sources,…
How Can I Attract Painted Buntings?
I’m trying to attract Painted Buntings – they used to come to my yard but evidently whatever they liked to eat is no longer growing here. Answer: Thanks for your question. You are fortunate to live in part of the country where you get to see these wonderful birds. Their…