Adding animal-attracting plants to your garden is as easy as knowing what the animals like to eat. Hummingbirds and bees thrive on brightly colored blooming plants. Songbirds and mammals fill up on shrubs and trees that produce berries and seeds. Here is a list of plants, shrubs and trees that thrive in diverse landscapes throughout the United States:
Roses
Butterflies, hummingbirds and bees benefit from the bloom, while juncos, grosbeaks, thrushes, quail and other birds enjoy rosehips.
Blueberry
Insects, birds and mammals alike — including bees, cardinals, robins, waxwings, chipmunks, rabbits and deer — benefit from the bloom and berry.
Elderberry
The plant attracts deer, bees and many bird species such as warblers, orioles, tanagers and waxwings.
Buddleja buzz
The flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.
Holly
Bring a variety of birds such as bluebirds, mockingbirds, warblers, grosbeaks, jays and woodpeckers to your backyard.
Magnolia
Many animals, including a variety of songbirds, squirrels, opossum, wild turkeys, deer and bees, benefit from the blooms, leaves and twigs.
Lavender
The fragrant bloom attracts bees and butterflies.
Sunflower
Chickadees, cardinals, goldfinches and jays feed on the seeds, while butterflies and bees enjoy the bloom.
Basil, Mint and Thyme
When allowed to go to flower, they attract butterflies and bees.
Firebrush
Lure in a variety of beautiful butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Sources: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Oregon State University Extension Service
