Plants That Attract Birds
Why invite birds to your garden?
Birds play an important role in our garden’s ecosystem. They control plant-eating pests like aphids and snails. They assist with flower pollination by spreading nectar. Birds such as sparrows, finches and many others eat weed seeds, eliminating those unwanted plants. And finally birds can act as stress relievers with their melodic songs and happy movement as they show you how much they appreciate the natural habitat you so kindly created for them.
The plants listed below will allow you to grow the perfect bird habitat in your California Landscape. Please note that while we carry many if not all the plants listed here, selection may vary by location and may only be available in select seasons. Please contact your local SummerWinds Nursery for selection. Our Trusted Garden Advisors are also great resources for helping you choose the right plants for your garden.
Plants That Attract Birds
Additional Perennials That Attract Birds
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Plant Information | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aster | Aster spp. | Full Sun, Low-Water Use, California Native Variety Available |  |
| Blanket Flower | Gaillardia spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Low-Water Use, Long Blooming, Attracts Pollinators |  |
| Coneflower | Echinacea spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Low-Water Use, Drought-Tolerant, Good for Containers |  |
| Coreopsis | Coreopsis spp. | Full Sun, Low-Water Use, Continuous Blooms, Pollinator-Friendly |  |
| Cosmos | Cosmos spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Low-Water Use, Easy to Grow, Reseeds Easily |  |
| Fennel | Foeniculum vulgare | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Low-Water Use, Attracts Birds & Butterflies |  |
| Globe Thistle | Echinops spp. | Full Sun, Low-Water Use, Drought-Tolerant, Spiky Blooms |  |
| Goldenrod | Solidago spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Low-Water Use, California Native Variety Available |  |
| Mexican Sunflower | Tithonia spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Moderate Water, Fast-Growing, Heat-Tolerant |  |
| Oriental Poppy | Papaver orientale | Full Sun, Low-Water Use, Striking Blooms, Summer Dormant |  |
Shrubs That Attract Birds
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Growing Conditions & Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bird of Paradise | Strelitzia reginae | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Moderate Water, Tropical Look, Low Maintenance |  |
| California Coffeeberry | Rhamnus californica | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Low-Water Use, California Native, Drought-Tolerant |  |
| Currant | Ribes spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Moderate Water, Edible Berries, Pollinator-Friendly |  |
| Manzanita | Arctostaphylos spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Low-Water Use, California Native, Evergreen |  |
| Privet | Ligustrum spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Moderate Water, Fast-Growing Hedge Plant |  |
| Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis | Full Sun, Low-Water Use, Aromatic, Pollinator Favorite |  |
| Viburnum | Viburnum spp. | Full Sun to Partial Shade, Moderate Water, Seasonal Berries for Birds |  |
Annuals That Attract Birds
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Growing Conditions & Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Buttons | Centaurea cyanus | Full Sun, Low-Water Use, Easy to Grow, Drought-Tolerant |  |
| California Poppy | Eschscholzia californica | Full Sun, Low-Water Use, California Native, Attracts Pollinators |  |
| Marigold | Tagetes spp. | Full Sun, Moderate Water, Pest-Repelling, Long Blooming |  |
| Sunflower | Helianthus spp. | Full Sun, Moderate Water, Fast-Growing, Provides Seeds for Birds |  |
Other Pollinators...
| Create A Butterfly Habitat | Create A Hummingbird Habitat | Creating A Bee Habitat |
| Plants to Attract Butterflies | Plants to Attract Hummingbirds | Plants To Attract Bees |
