Fruiting Shrubs Chart

There are several beneficial shrubs that provide fruit for migrating (or summer nesting) species. Many of these shrubs have another benefit in that the spring flowers attract insects, which in turn attract insect-eating birds. The chart accessed through the link below provides brief information about selected shrubs considered beneficial to bird species. Included in the chart are flowering, and fruit producing times, and when the fruit is typically consumed by birds. They are native to the US, and most are native to Minnesota; suitable for use in Hardiness Zone 4.

fruiting

Sunflower

Sunflower

Bird watchers know the value of offering sunflower seeds to the birds in feeders. So why not offer sunflower seeds in a natural setting? Black oil and striped sunflower seeds for planting different varieties are easy to find at local stores. Planted early enough, mature plants will offer a new perspective to your landscape for birds. Keeling the heads intact will challenge nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers craving the seeds, and will provide good entertainment for you as long as the seeds last. As with sunflower seeds purchased for feeders, the shells can inhibit growth of grass and other plants if left on the ground, so cleaning up from under the stalks may be necessary.

Spruce

 

 

Colorado Blue Spruce

Excellent cold hardy, and drought resistant, Colorado Blue Spruce is also attractive as a food source for grouse, and various finches including crossbills, siskins, and nuthatches. Like most conifers, it provides excellent nesting, roosting, and winter cover for numerous small birds. Grows 60 to 100′ high with a 15 to 35′ spread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Hills Spruce

Black Hills Spruce is a slow-growing, compact tree, but don’t let that stop you. Slow growth equals dense growth, making it perfect for privacy screens and windbreaks. It’s short bright bluish green needles and a dense, conical shape make it a landscaper’s dream. Black Hills Spruce is virtually immune to the most common spruce pests and is very tolerant of drying winter winds. It is a truly cold adapted tree and is very resistant to winter injury.