When considering trees, shrubs, and forbs or grasses to plant for landscaping, a little research in advance can lead to dual benefits for both the appearance of your planting area and a wildlife-friendly landscape. Our native wildlife species are tuned into using our native plant species, so selecting plants that are naturally found in your area is a first positive step for plantings that benefit native animals. This can happen at a lot of levels. Oaks are a good example of this multi-level benefit. We might naturally think of the acorns that oak trees produce as the major wildlife food benefit, and it is extremely important for a host of mammal and bird species including jays, turkey, squirrels and deer. It is less obvious, but no less important, that oaks support hundreds of insects that feed on their leaves and acorns, and those insects support many species of birds and other animals that feed on them. Indiana has over 17 species of oak trees native to the state, so there is an oak tree suited to almost any site or situation.
In addition to oaks, many other native trees like cherries, persimmon, black gum, sassafras, red mulberry, beech and others provide food and habitat benefits. Trees that form cavities can provide nesting and den sites for several birds and animals. Providing a diversity of species and sizes of trees can favor a greater diversity of wildlife visiting your landscape. Smaller trees like sumac, paw-paw, flowering dogwood, crabapples and hawthorns add landscape interest and wildlife food value as well.
Shrubs, forbs and grasses provide additional opportunities to add attractive and interesting appearance as well as wildlife habitat benefits through food and shelter. Shrubs like the native dogwoods, viburnums, plums, and hazelnuts can be beneficial to several types of wildlife through food, cover and nesting locations. Some species like plums and hazelnuts can provide people food as well.
The use of native plants has the added benefit of reducing the risk of introducing non-native and potentially damaging invasive species to the environment.
You can access native plant materials in a variety of ways. I am noticing more retail nurseries stocking and advertising native plant selections, so you may have some good choices close-by. The number of nurseries specializing in native plants designed for wildlife and restoration plantings is growing as well. A directory of seed and planting stock sources can be found at seed and planting stock sources
The Indiana Native Plant Society has an abundance of resources related to native plants in landscaping.
Your local Soil and Water Conservation District may also have native plant sales that provide access to native plants.
Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
American plum Prunus americana
Blackgum Nyssa sylvatica
winterberry Ilex verticillata
Umbrella magnolia Magnolia tripetala
Trumpet creeper Campsis radicans
