Whether you’re cultivating a backyard garden or reviving a neglected green space, are one of the most effective ways to restore habitats.
Milkweed growing in a field
Milkweed is perhaps one of the most well-known when it comes to restoration.
Its vibrant flowers also add beauty and color throughout the growing season.
There are a number of benefits to planting milkweed:
| for | Hardiness Zones | Sun Needs | Water Needs | Soil Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milkweed | These plants grow best in spaces that get about six to eight hours of full sun per day. | These plants need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. | Milkweed does best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. |
Coyote bush with small blooms
Coyote bush offers dense cover and nesting sites for small birds and mammals, and its flowers provide crucial late-season nectar for pollinators like native bees and butterflies.
Coyote bush really does have a ton of benefits:
| for | Hardiness Zones | Sun Needs | Water Needs | Soil Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote bush | These plants grow best in spaces that get about six to eight hours of full sun (or light shade) per day. | These plants need 1 inch of water per week. | Coyote bush does best in well-draining (and even poor) soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. |
Yallow plants blooming with beautiful flowers.
Yarrow is a low-maintenance perennial herb found throughout most and much of North America. But beyond its visual appeal, yarrow is a powerhouse for biodiversity.
Yarrow is incredibly hardy and adaptable.
There are a few reasons why you should consider planting yarrow:
| for | Hardiness Zones | Sun Needs | Water Needs | Soil Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yarrow | These plants grow best in spaces that get about six or more hours of full sun per day. | These plants need 1 inch of water per week. | Yarrow does best in well-draining and sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. |
A hazel trees with maturing hazelnuts
. Their nuts are a rich food source for squirrels, jays, woodpeckers, and even wild turkeys.
As a bonus, hazelnut shrubs are also visually appealing with scalloped leaves that turn golden-orange in the fall.
Consider a few reasons to plant hazelnuts:
| Native Plants for Wildlife Garden Ideas | Hardiness Zones | Sun Needs | Water Needs | Soil Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazelnut | This native garden staple grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. | These plants grow best in spaces that get about four to six hours of full sun or partial shade per day. | These plants need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. | Hazelnut does best in well-draining and loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. |
American hazelnut does best in full sun, while beaked hazelnut tends to do better with some partial shade. Either plant is beneficial for just about any animal habitat in North America, provided it is in zones 4 through 9.
A large, sprawling oak tree with blue sky.
Oak trees are ecological giants! More than 500 species of caterpillars rely on oaks, making them a foundational food source for birds, especially during the nesting season. In fact, studies show that oak trees support more life forms than any other native tree species in the United States. From birds and mammals to insects and fungi, oaks play host to an entire web of life!
Beyond their ecological benefits, oak trees offer shade, structure, and long-term beauty. Acorns feed countless animals, while fallen leaves contribute to healthy soil through decomposition. While oaks take years to mature, planting one is an investment in the future of your local ecosystem, as well as generations of wildlife to come.
There are so many reasons to plant oak trees:
| Native Plants for Wildlife Garden Ideas | Hardiness Zones | Sun Needs | Water Needs | Soil Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak trees | This native garden staple grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. (Valley oak does better in zones 7 through 10, while white oak does best in zones 3 through 9.) | These plants grow best in animal habitat spaces that get about six or more hours of full sun per day. | These plants need 1 inch of water per week. | Oak does best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. |
White oak trees and valley oak trees are both excellent species of oak to plant in your garden. Just keep in mind that they take quite a long time to reach maturity, usually around 20 to even 100 years.
Planting native species like milkweed, coyote bush, yarrow, hazelnut, and oak trees can add greenery to your space while also helping in the fight to restore the balance between people and the natural world. These plants support pollinators, feed birds and mammals, and rebuild healthy soil, all while requiring less water and care than non-native alternatives. You really don’t need to plant a forest to make a difference! Happy planting!
