What is the goal of the space you are using for your backyard habitat? Is it to create a nature getaway for you and your family? Is it to help the local ecosystem flourish? Is it to create a live-action Disney movie where the squirrels and bluebirds and bees all sing and dance the day away?? Regardless of the goal it is always important to include some plants that are going to feed and attract your local pollinators! You want plants that are going to attract your local birds, bees, butterflies, and other bugs that will polinate your habitat and the surrounding area!
The following is a list of trees, shrubs, and other nectar plants that are a great place to start:
- American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
- American holly (Ilex opaca)
- Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
- Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
- Bee balm (Monarda spp.)
- Black cherry (Prunus serotina)
- Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
- Butterfly weed and other milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
- Common juniper (Juniperus communis)
- Crabapple (Malus spp.)
- Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.)
- Oaks (Quercus spp.)
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
- Strawberry (Fragaria spp.)
- Sumacs (Rhus spp.)
- Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens and related spp.)
- Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
- Wild grape (Vitis spp.)
- Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
- Scott