Shade plants that are best for wildlife? Native prefered.....
flowersandthings
19 years ago
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ahughes798
19 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
19 years agoRelated Discussions
Need ideas for natives for wildlife
Comments (9)HEy all. I'm following the list for a certified wildlife garden, so the kind of natives I'm looking for would produce - seeds, nuts, berries and nectar. Not on the same plant of course, LOL. I have full sun in the front yard, so they should be semi-pretty for the neighbors. The back yard is mostly shaded by giant maple trees, a Plum and two Apple trees. Stuff doesn't have tobe so pretty there, mostly useful for wildlife. Keep your suggestions comimg!...See MoreNative evergreens for winter wildlife cover and human interest?
Comments (2)Believe it or not, I have had luck with growing Rhododendron maximum around here - you do have to amend the soil a little bit, though. It's not technically native to Indiana, but it is native to Kentucky and Ohio - close enough for me! Another native evergreen is Mountain laurel, which actually is native to Indiana. It is slower growing than Rhododendron, but it is more adapted to the crazy temperature swings Indiana is known for....See MoreIdeas for planting (preferably natives) around new addition?
Comments (6)I'm late to the party in responding to the original post. My 2 cents: Indian pinks (Spigelia marilandica). They're very well-behaved...although I've heard they can self sow if they ever go to seed. Unfortunately, they're one of the favorite plants for rabbits in my area, which means I haven't seen them even bloom recently much less self-sow. Still, they're tough enough to keep coming up from getting nibbled down to the nubs, so that's impressive. And the foliage is pretty on its own. Oakleaf hydrangeas are marvelous, but I do think they prefer mostly shady spots (forest understory, etc.) I have one in full morning sun in TN that is hanging in there, but it does look stressed from mid-summer onwards. For the shady area, how about an Epimedium? It takes a little while to get started, but it seems bulletproof and mostly evergreen once it's established and has attractive delicate flowers in the spring. Spreads, but at a very manageable rate (or has so far). For a sunnier spot, what about Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb'? http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c270...See MoreCalifornia Native plant suggestions for feeding birds/wildlife?
Comments (6)All the birds adore our little native Oak grown from an acorn. It's about 12' tall now. All the birds stop in there. It's like a magnet. Plan so you have bird-attractants throughout all four seasons. For example, Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia attracts cedar waxwings in the winter. They will come through and strip off and eat the berries and it is amazing to watch. Lemonade berry Rhus ovatifolia is also popular with the birds here. Having said that, California is a big state, and native plants that grow in one area won't necessarily grow well in yours, so select natives native to your microclimate and region....See Moreaka_peggy
19 years agofraneli
19 years agoknottyceltic
19 years agoBullnettle
19 years agolauramich
19 years agoahughes798
19 years agonjbiology
14 years agobrandon7 TN_zone7
14 years ago
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