Winter Wildlife Spotlight: How Native Plants Support Your Local Ecosystem All Year Long
Even though winter gardens might look quieter, the work they do for local wildlife never stops. Native plants are the unsung heroes of your yard, offering food, shelter, and habitat to birds, insects, and other creatures—especially when resources are scarce in colder months. Let’s explore how you can support your local ecosystem this winter and get a head start on planning for spring with native plants like elderberry, coneflower, Rudbeckia, and anise hyssop.
Why Native Plants Matter in Winter
Native plants are uniquely adapted to our region's climate and wildlife, providing a lifeline during tough winters. Here’s why they’re essential:
Food Sources: Many native plants, like elderberry, hold onto their berries late into the season, feeding birds and other wildlife when other food is gone.
Shelter: Plants like coneflowers have sturdy stalks and seed heads that offer refuge for overwintering insects and birds.
Eco-Benefits: Native plants contribute to soil health and require less water and maintenance, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective for gardeners.
Elderberry
Description: Elderberry (Sambucus) is a fast-growing native shrub with beautiful clusters of white flowers that turn into rich, black berries.
Winter Role: Birds like cedar waxwings and robins feast on the berries in winter, while the dense branches provide shelter from cold winds.
Spring Prep: Plant elderberries this spring in a sunny spot for a robust supply of flowers and berries. Pro tip: Use bird netting if you plan to harvest berries yourself!
Echinacea - Purple Coneflower
Description: Coneflowers (Echinacea) are perennial native plants with striking purple blooms that light up summer gardens.
Winter Role: The seed heads of coneflowers are a favorite winter snack for finches and sparrows, while the dried stalks offer shelter for overwintering insects.
Spring Prep: Start planning your coneflower patch now. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them an easy addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
Description: Rudbeckia species, like the beloved black-eyed Susan, are hardy perennials that produce cheerful yellow blooms with dark centers.
Winter Role: Their tall stems and dried flower heads provide seeds for small birds like goldfinches, while the stalks create shelter for beneficial insects.
Spring Prep: Plant Rudbeckia in clumps for a stunning summer display. They love full sun and are perfect for adding a burst of color to pollinator gardens.
Anise Hyssop
Description: Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a fragrant herbaceous perennial with lavender flowers and a licorice-like aroma.
Winter Role: Bees and butterflies flock to its blooms in late summer and fall, and its seed heads provide food for birds in winter. The sturdy stalks also offer a refuge for overwintering insects.
Spring Prep: Anise hyssop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and a perfect companion plant for creating diverse, wildlife-friendly borders.
Simple Steps to Support Wildlife This Winter
Leave the Leaves: Resist the urge to rake up every last leaf. Leaves create a natural mulch and habitat for insects and small critters.
Skip the Pruning: Allow seed heads and stalks to remain in your garden until late winter to give birds and insects more time to use them.
Add a Water Source: A birdbath with a heater or an area of uncovered, moist soil can be a lifesaver for thirsty wildlife.
Your garden is a vital part of the local ecosystem, even in winter. By planting and maintaining native species like elderberry and coneflower, you’re creating a haven for wildlife while building a more sustainable and resilient landscape. Start planning your spring garden now to ensure a thriving winter ecosystem next year! Shop here to start building your list.
