When it comes to attracting cardinals, native trees and shrubs are the way to go. These plants not only provide food for the birds but also offer them natural habitats. One of the cardinal’s favorite trees is the mulberry tree. Its juicy, dark berries are a great source of food for cardinals, and they will flock to it eagerly. Another tree that cardinals love is the serviceberry. Its sweet berries are a delicacy for these birds and will surely entice them to visit your yard.
The flowering dogwood is another tree that cardinals find irresistible. Its beautiful blooms not only add aesthetic value to your garden but also provide a source of food for these birds. Cardinals will feast on the dogwood’s bright red berries, adding a splash of color to your yard as they do so.
Crabapple trees are also popular among cardinals. These trees produce small, tart apples that cardinals enjoy snacking on. Planting a crabapple tree in your yard will surely attract these colorful birds.
Spruce trees are known to be attractive to cardinals as well. The dense foliage of spruce trees provides excellent cover and nesting sites for cardinals. The birds also feed on the seeds produced by these trees, making them a great addition to your yard.
In addition to trees, shrubs play a vital role in attracting cardinals. Staghorn sumac is a shrub that cardinals love. Its clusters of bright red berries are a favorite food source for these birds. Red-osier dogwood is another shrub that cardinals find appealing. Its white berries are not only visually appealing but also provide sustenance for these birds.
Gray dogwood is a shrub that cardinals are known to frequent. Its bluish-gray berries are a favorite snack for these birds. Lastly, various species of viburnum shrubs, such as arrowwood viburnum or American cranberry bush, are favored by cardinals. These shrubs produce berries that cardinals find irresistible.
When selecting trees and shrubs to attract cardinals, it’s important to consider the specific needs of these birds. Providing a variety of plants that offer food, shelter, and nesting sites will ensure that cardinals feel welcome in your yard. By incorporating native trees and shrubs, you can create a bird-friendly habitat that will not only attract cardinals but also other local bird species.