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The best trees and shrubs for wildlife are usually the ones native to your region and suited to your yard—not a universal top-ten list. A thoughtful mix can offer spring flowers, insects, fruit, nuts, cover, and nesting places across multiple seasons and vegetation layers. The ten candidates below are useful starting points; check local native status, mature size, soil and light needs, and invasive risk before planting.
How to choose trees and shrubs that support wildlife
Start with plants native to your area. Local wildlife is adapted to local plant communities, and native plants help sustain the insects that many other animals eat. A wildlife planting does more than provide berries: flowers, seeds, nuts, insect-host value, shelter, and nesting structure all matter. Purdue Extension explains why plant choice matters to wildlife, while Penn State Extension describes native plants’ roles in wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Build variety into the planting. Canopy trees, smaller understory trees, and dense shrubs serve different needs; species that flower or fruit at different times can extend food availability through the year. Before buying, confirm botanical identity and local native range, then match mature height and spread, light, soil, and moisture to the site. Check invasive-plant guidance from your local extension service or native-plant resource. NC State Extension’s native-plant landscaping guidance recommends considering local fit and layering habitat.
10 native tree and shrub candidates for wildlife
These are broad U.S.-oriented examples, not a ranking or a promise that every species belongs in every region. Common names can cover multiple species, and members of the same genus can differ in native range, mature form, and growing needs. Select a locally appropriate species rather than relying on the genus name alone.
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Oak (Quercus spp.)
Oaks contribute canopy, insect-host value, and acorns. Acorns feed wildlife including jays, turkeys, squirrels, and deer, and oak foliage supports butterfly and moth larvae. Choose an oak native to your area and allow for its mature size. See Purdue Extension’s discussion of wildlife and plant choice and the United States Botanic Garden’s native-plant recommendations.
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Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Depending on species, serviceberry grows as a small tree or large shrub. Its spring flowers attract pollinators, and its fruit is used by wildlife. Species differ in preferred growing conditions, so check which serviceberry is native and suited to your site. Penn State’s native plant spotlights discuss its flowers, fruit, and varying preferences.
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Native dogwood (Cornus spp.)
Native dogwoods can add flowers, fruit, and understory structure. Identify the species before planting: native flowering dogwood and nonnative kousa dogwood are not interchangeable choices for a native-wildlife plan. American Bird Conservancy distinguishes native dogwood from kousa dogwood.
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Native viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Native viburnums can provide shrub cover and fruit. Nannyberry, for example, offers fruit and cover; highbush cranberry is another fruiting example, but common names can be confusing. Confirm the botanical species and its native range before choosing. See Morton Arboretum’s guide to trees and shrubs that attract birds.
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Beautyberry Seeds for Planting Native Shrub 100 Premium Seeds- Grow a Stunning Native Shrub – Beautyberry seeds are perfect for native gardens, ornamental landscapes, wildlife habitats, flowering shrubs, landscape borders, hedges, pollinator gardens, and naturalized plantings. Mature shrubs produce graceful branches covered with brilliant purple berries that create one of the most colorful displays in the fall landscape.
- Beautiful Flowers Become Brilliant Berries – Small pink to lavender flowers bloom during summer before developing into vibrant clusters of glossy purple berries that surround the stems. The colorful fruit often remains on the branches well into fall, extending seasonal interest long after flowering has ended.
- A Favorite for Wildlife & Landscapes – Bright berry clusters provide an important late-season food source for birds while adding exceptional ornamental value to the landscape. Beautyberry is an excellent choice for native plantings, wildlife gardens, hedgerows, and decorative landscape borders.
- Easy to Grow & Highly Adaptable – Cold stratify seeds before planting for improved germination. Plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and adapt to a variety of well-drained soils. Once established, Beautyberry is drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance.
- 100 Premium Seeds – Includes 100 premium seeds for multiple plantings throughout the season. An excellent choice for gardeners looking to establish colorful native shrubs that provide ornamental beauty, wildlife value, and brilliant fall berry displays.
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Blackgum or sour gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
Blackgum fruit is used by many bird and mammal species. Check the moisture and soil conditions of your planting site and whether this tree is native to your region. Penn State Extension lists blackgum among wildlife-supporting trees and shrubs.
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American holly (Ilex opaca) or another native holly
Native holly can contribute evergreen cover as well as fruit. American holly is one option where it is locally suitable; verify the species and cultivar characteristics before planting. Pairing evergreen structure with plants that fruit at other times can add variety to the landscape. See University of Maryland Extension’s guidance on attracting wildlife to a garden.
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Live Nannyberry Viburnum Plants (Viburnum lentago) – Hardy Native Berry Shrubs – Wildlife Friendly Landscape Plant – Edible Fruit & Pollinator Friendly – Outdoor Garden Shrub (1 Plant)- 🌿 Native Hardy Landscape Shrub: Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) is a hardy North American native shrub known for its adaptability and strong growth in a wide range of climates and soil conditions.
- 🍇 Produces Edible Dark Berries: The plant produces clusters of sweet, dark blue-black berries in late summer and fall that can be eaten fresh or used in jams, syrups, and baked goods.
- 🐝 Excellent for Pollinators and Wildlife: Spring flowers attract bees and beneficial pollinators, while the nutritious berries provide food for birds and wildlife.
- 🌳 Multi-Season Interest: Enjoy creamy white spring blossoms, lush green foliage through summer, colorful berries in fall, and attractive branching structure in winter.
- 🏡 Ideal for Landscaping and Natural Gardens: Perfect for hedges, wildlife gardens, native plant landscapes, or natural screening. A beautiful and functional addition to yards, gardens, and outdoor spaces.
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Elderberry (Sambucus spp.)
Elderberry offers flowers, summer fruit, and shrub cover. Select a species native to your area and leave room for its mature spread. Maryland Extension includes elderberry as a summer-fruiting option.
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Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry is a deciduous holly known for fall fruit and seasonal interest. Its suitability and wildlife use depend on the location and species, so check local growing conditions and native status. Maryland Extension lists winterberry among fall-fruiting plants.
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American cranberrybush or highbush cranberry (a Viburnum species)
Some highbush cranberry fruit persists into winter and is eaten by birds and mammals. The common name can refer to different plants, so shop by botanical name and verify that the species is native locally. Penn State Extension describes highbush cranberry’s persistent fruit and wildlife use.
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Hackberry (Celtis spp.)
Northern hackberry is a potential tree for sites where growing conditions are less than ideal, but the right species depends on the region and exact site. Confirm local native status and site fit before planting. Penn State Extension’s native plant spotlights include northern hackberry as a candidate.
Plan for seasons and habitat layers
Rather than planting several species for the same brief fruiting period, combine plants with different flowering and fruiting times. Maryland Extension’s examples include summer-, fall-, and winter-persistent fruit; these can help spread resources through the year. Make room for more than one vegetation layer: a canopy oak, an understory serviceberry or dogwood, and fruiting shrubs can provide different kinds of food and cover. The best combination depends on the species native to your area and the space available. See Maryland Extension’s seasonal examples and Morton Arboretum’s guidance on bird-attracting trees and shrubs.
Quick Recap
Check before you plant
- Native range: Verify the exact species, not just its common name or genus, against a regional native-plant source.
- Space at maturity: Check mature height and spread against nearby buildings, paths, and other plants.
- Site conditions: Match the species to available sun, soil, and moisture.
- Wildlife role and season: Look for a mix of flowers, fruit, nuts or seeds, insect-host value, and cover rather than choosing only for berries.
- Invasive risk: Consult local extension or native-plant guidance, and favor an appropriate native alternative when a nonnative recommendation conflicts with local ecological concerns. NC State Extension discusses native alternatives and checking local invasiveness.
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