This blog post is inspired by the 'Plants for Birds' series from Audubon Everglades, titled 'Create Your Own Bird Sanctuary.' Hosted by Helen Laurence and Mary Young, this series provides valuable guidance for homeowners looking to create a thriving, welcoming environment that supports birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
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Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry) is an excellent plant for birds, providing both food and habitat benefits.
Benefits for Birds:
1. High-Value Food Source
Produces clusters of bright purple berries in late summer and fall, which persist into winter.
The berries are rich in moisture and nutrients, making them an important food source during migration and colder months.
Over 40 species of birds eat the berries, including:
Mockingbirds
Cardinals
Thrashers
Towhees
Robins
Woodpeckers
2. Insect Support for Insectivorous Birds
Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which in turn provide food for insect-eating birds such as warblers and flycatchers.
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Coreopsis (tickseed) plants are a food source for birds in the fall and winter, especially for finches and sparrows, IF you let the plants form seeds. They also support other wildlife and pollinators.
How coreopsis help birds
Food: Coreopsis seeds are a food source for birds in the fall and winter.
Shelter: Coreopsis can provide shelter for birds in the winter.
How coreopsis help other wildlife and pollinators
Pollinators: Coreopsis are a food source for butterflies, bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and moths.
Other small wildlife: Coreopsis support other small wildlife in the garden.
Native plants: Coreopsis are native to North America and resist most pest and disease problems.
Tips for growing coreopsis
Coreopsis grow best in well-drained soil and full sun.
To encourage more flowers, cut back the plant during the season.
To help feed birds through winter, leave the plants standing through winter and cut back in the spring.
To attract birds, provide adequate shelter and a place to bathe in and drink clean water.
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Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple Lovegrass) is a valuable plant for birds, primarily offering seeds, habitat, and insect support.
Benefits for Birds:
1. Seed Source for Songbirds
Produces small, nutritious seeds in late summer and fall.
Attracts seed-eating birds like:
Sparrows
Finches
Juncos
Towhees
2. Shelter and Nesting Material
Forms low, dense clumps that provide cover for ground-nesting birds and protection from predators.
The fine-textured grass can also be used as nesting material for some species.
3. Insect Habitat for Insectivorous Birds
Supports a variety of insects, including caterpillars and grasshoppers, which attract insect-eating birds.
Birds like warblers and wrens forage in lovegrass stands for food.
4. Low-Maintenance, Year-Round Benefit
Dried seed heads persist into winter, offering a food source when other plants have stopped producing.
Works well in prairie plantings, meadows, and native landscapes to enhance bird habitat.
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Firebush (Hamelia patens) is valuable for birds in Palm Beach County due to its nectar-rich flowers and berries.
Attracts Hummingbirds: The bright, tubular flowers provide abundant nectar, a key food source for hummingbirds.
Berries for Other Birds: The plant’s berries are enjoyed by birds like:
Thrushes
Mockingbirds
Woodpeckers
Other small songbirds
Shelter and Nesting: Its dense, bushy form offers protection and a place for birds to rest, hide from predators, or build nests.
Native and Adaptable: Thrives in local climate, making it an excellent addition to bird-friendly native plant gardens in Palm Beach County.
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Many of the birds that benefit from Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass) are commonly found in Palm Beach County, Florida. Here’s a breakdown of the species you’re likely to see:
Seed-Eating Birds (Granivores)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) – Often forages for grass seeds on the ground.
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) – Males are brightly colored, and they love grass seeds.
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) – Another colorful visitor that eats small seeds.
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) – Winter visitor that forages in grassy areas.
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) – Occasionally seen during migration and winter.
Insect-Eating Birds (Insectivores)
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) – Hunts insects in grasses and shrubs.
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) – A common winter resident, often seen bobbing its tail while foraging.
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) – Perches near open areas to catch flying insects.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) – Tiny, active bird that searches for insects in vegetation.
Other Birds That Use Muhly Grass for Shelter or Nesting Material
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) – Uses dense grass clumps for cover.
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) – A small warbler that prefers shrubby and grassy areas.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) – Often found in grassy wetlands and fields.
Best Way to Attract These Birds
Leave seed heads intact through winter to provide food.
Combine Muhly Grass with native shrubs and wildflowers for more habitat variety.
Provide a water source like a birdbath to attract even more species.
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Passion vines provide food for birds and other wildlife, and shelter for insects and birds.
Food source
Fruit
The fruit of the passion vine is eaten by many birds, small mammals, and some larger mammals.
Nectar
The flowers of the passion vine provide nectar for pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Shelter
Foliage
The dense foliage of the passion vine provides cover for birds and insects year-round.
Climbing structure
The passion vine can be grown on trellises or fences, providing climbing structure for birds and other wildlife.
Pollinator gardens
Passion vines can be a great addition to pollinator gardens. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds in the summer and fall.
Species
Different species of passion vines have different characteristics. For example, the Purple Passion Flower vine (Passiflora incarnata) is a host plant for several butterfly species. Corky stem passion vine (Passiflora suberosa) is a different species of passion flower than Passiflora incarnata. Corky stem passion vine is a small, low-growing vine with tiny flowers. It's native to the Americas and is known for attracting butterflies.
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Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) is a great plant for birds, offering food, habitat, and insect support.
Benefits for Birds:
1. Seed Source for Songbirds
After blooming, seed heads remain on the plant and provide a natural food source for seed-eating birds.
Attracts:
Goldfinches
Chickadees
Sparrows
Nuthatches
2. Supports Insect-Eating Birds
The flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles, which in turn provide food for insectivorous birds such as warblers and flycatchers.
3. Shelter and Nesting Material
The sturdy stems offer perching spots and support nesting birds by providing shelter in naturalized areas.
Dead stems left standing through winter can protect overwintering insects, which birds rely on for food.
4. Low-Maintenance and Long-Lasting Benefit
If seed heads are left untrimmed, they provide food throughout the fall and winter.
Works well in meadow plantings, native gardens, and wildflower patches to create a bird-friendly habitat.
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Salvia is highly valuable for birds, especially hummingbirds and seed-eating species. Here’s why:
Nectar Source for Hummingbirds
Salvias produce nectar-rich tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds, particularly red, pink, and purple varieties.
Species like Salvia lyrate (Lyre Leaved Sage) and Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) are favorites for hummingbirds.
Seeds for Songbirds
After flowering, Salvia plants produce small seeds that attract goldfinches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds.
Salvia farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage) and Salvia azurea (Blue Sage) provide a great seed source.
Insect Attraction for Birds
Salvia flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which in turn provide food for insectivorous birds like warblers.
Shelter and Nesting Support
Some shrubby Salvia species offer cover and perching spots for birds.
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Salvia lyrata, commonly known as lyre-leaf sage, has significant wildlife and bird value, especially in Palm Beach County, Florida. Here are some of the key aspects:
Wildlife and Bird Value:
Pollinators: Salvia lyrata is highly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its tubular flowers, which bloom in shades of purple, serve as a nectar source, drawing in pollinators, particularly during spring and early summer.
Butterflies: Several species of butterflies, including the Zebra Longwing and Fiery Skipper, are known to frequent Salvia lyrata. The plant can serve as a nectar source for adult butterflies, and its dense foliage offers some shelter for larvae.
Hummingbirds: The tubular, brightly colored flowers of Salvia lyrata are especially attractive to hummingbirds. They rely on these plants for a nectar source, and the plant’s blooms often provide a high-energy food resource during migration periods.
Birds: While Salvia lyrata isn't specifically known for being a primary food source for birds, it can provide valuable cover and shelter for small songbirds in your landscape. Additionally, its flowers are an important nectar source for some bird species, and it could be a useful addition to a landscape designed to attract birdlife.
Wildlife Habitat: The dense, mounding growth habit of Salvia lyrata can provide protective cover for small insects and animals, making it a beneficial component of native plant landscapes aimed at supporting local wildlife.
Ecological Role:
Salvia lyrata is native to the southeastern United States, including Florida, making it well-suited to local ecosystems. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate both sun and partial shade, making it adaptable for various garden settings.
Incorporating Salvia lyrata into your landscaping can help support biodiversity by attracting and sustaining pollinators, providing cover for wildlife, and enhancing habitat quality for birds and insects in Palm Beach County.
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Solidago plants, also known as goldenrod, are valuable to birds because they provide food and nesting habitat.
Food
Seeds
Many birds, including American goldfinches, sparrows, towhees, and pine siskins, eat the seeds of goldenrod in the fall and winter
Pollen
The flowers of goldenrod provide pollen for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in late season
Nesting habitat
Seaside goldenrod: Provides nesting habitat for birds like willets, killdeer, piping plovers, and black skimmers
Other benefits
Larval host plant: The Solidago genus is a larval host plant for over 125 species of butterflies and moths
Pollinator plant: Attracts many species of native bees
Drought and shade tolerant: Can be used in a perennial border, cottage garden, or butterfly garden
Goldenrod species
Solidago sempervirens: Also known as seaside goldenrod
Solidago stricta: Also known as Wand Goldenrod is native to Florida
Solidago odora: Also known as sweet goldenrod, this plant has anise-scented leaves and blooms from August through fall
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Bird-Friendly Planting Plan
1. Main Structure – Shrubs & Small Trees (Shelter & Berries)
These provide nesting spots, cover, and berries for a variety of birds.
Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) – Berries attract mockingbirds, cardinals, and warblers; dense foliage offers nesting sites.
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – Purple berries are a favorite of cardinals, thrashers, and catbirds.
Firebush (Hamelia patens) – Nectar for hummingbirds and berries for songbirds.
Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) – Dense cover plus berries eaten by warblers, tree swallows, and catbirds.
2. Mid-Layer – Perennials & Grasses (Seeds & Insects)
These provide seeds and insect habitat, attracting both seed-eaters and insectivores.
Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) – Seeds for finches, sparrows, and buntings; cover for small birds.
Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) – Seed source for finches and sparrows; supports insects for birds.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Seeds for goldfinches and insects for warblers.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) – Seeds for small songbirds and attracts pollinators for insect-eating birds.
Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) – Groundcover that attracts butterflies, which birds feed on.
3. Nectar Plants for Hummingbirds & Pollinators
Hummingbirds and insect-eating birds love these:
Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) – Major hummingbird magnet.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – Tubular flowers for hummingbirds; berries for robins and waxwings.
Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) – Attracts insects that birds feed on.
Layout Design
Back Layer (Tallest) – Small trees/shrubs like Simpson’s Stopper, Wax Myrtle, and Beautyberry for shelter and berries.
Middle Layer – Muhly Grass, Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis, and Firebush for food and cover.
Front Layer (Low-Growing) – Frogfruit, Wild Petunia, and Purple Lovegrass to attract insects and provide ground cover.
Vines on a trellis/fence – Coral Honeysuckle for hummingbirds and berries.
Extra Enhancements
✔ Leave seed heads intact in fall/winter – Provides food during colder months.✔ Add a water source (birdbath or dripper) – Increases bird visits.✔ Use organic mulch – Encourages insects for birds to feed on.
Here's a visual layout and spacing guide for your bird-friendly native planting plan with Muhly Grass as a key feature.
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🌿 Bird-Friendly Landscape Design – Palm Beach County
🏡 Layout Overview
📏 Space Needed: Approx. 10x15 feet (adjustable)☀️ Sun: Full sun to partial shade💧 Water: Low to moderate once established
🔹 Planting Zones & Spacing Guide
1️⃣ BACK LAYER – Small Trees & Shrubs (Shelter + Berries)
🌳 Spacing: 4-6 ft apart
Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) – 🐦 Nesting & berries
Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) – 🍇 Winter berries & shelter
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – 🍇 Songbird favorite!
👉 Placement: At the back (against a fence or as a natural border)
2️⃣ MID LAYER – Grasses & Perennials (Seeds + Insects)
🌿 Spacing: 2-3 ft apart
Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) – 🌾 Seeds for sparrows & buntings
Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) – 🌾 More seeds & ground cover
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – 🌻 Goldfinch magnet!
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) – 🌼 Attracts pollinators for insect-eating birds
👉 Placement: In the middle of the garden, providing movement & food
3️⃣ FRONT LAYER – Low-Growing Groundcovers (Insects + Nectar)
🌱 Spacing: 1-2 ft apart
Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) – 🦋 Supports butterflies (food for warblers!)
Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) – 💜 Pollinators & small bird shelter
Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) – ❤️ Hummingbird nectar
👉 Placement: In front, filling in gaps for low-maintenance ground cover
4️⃣ VINES – For Vertical Interest & Extra Berries
🌿 Spacing: Plant near a trellis, arbor, or fence
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – 🔴 Hummingbird & berry source
👉 Placement: Along fence, arbor, or trellis to attract hummers & fruit-eaters
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