Wildlife Food
Plants that provide berries, seeds, and nectar for birds and mammals
What Are Wildlife Food?
Wildlife food plants produce berries, nuts, seeds, nectar, and foliage that feed birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects. These plants create functioning ecosystems where wildlife becomes part of the garden system - birds control insect pests, mammals distribute seeds, and the entire system becomes more resilient and biodiverse. Many wildlife plants also provide human food.
Benefits
- Attracts birds that control insect pests
- Creates complete ecosystems with diverse wildlife
- Provides year-round food sources for overwintering birds
- Many plants produce edible fruit for humans too
- Increases biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
- Creates opportunities for wildlife observation and education
Example Plants
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Berries feed 40+ bird species. Flowers attract pollinators. Fruit edible for humans (cooked). Medicinal properties. Fast-growing shrub. Easy to grow.
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Seeds feed birds, especially finches and chickadees. Leave seed heads standing through winter. Edible seeds for humans. Attracts pollinators. Annual.
Crabapple
Malus spp.
Small fruits feed birds through winter. Spring flowers attract pollinators. Fruits can be made into jelly. Ornamental. Choose disease-resistant varieties.
Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus
Berries feed birds and mammals. Dense brambles provide nesting sites. Flowers support pollinators. Edible fruit for humans. Spreads readily - manage carefully.
Oak
Quercus spp.
Acorns feed squirrels, deer, jays, turkeys. Leaves support 500+ caterpillar species (bird food). Long-lived keystone species. Choose native species.
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Implementation Tips
Plant diverse species to provide food across all seasons
Include evergreens for winter shelter
Leave some berries and seed heads unharvested for wildlife
Provide water sources (birdbaths, ponds) near food plants
Create "habitat layers" - groundcover, shrubs, understory, canopy
Avoid netting fruit trees if providing wildlife food
Many wildlife food plants have thorns - use for protective hedges
Ready to Explore More?
Discover the other 13 functional plant categories and build your regenerative garden.