Top 20 Native Plants That Attract Chickadees

Chickadees are charming and friendly birds that are always a delight in your garden. These tiny, energetic birds are attracted to various native plants that offer them a plentiful food supply and suitable nesting sites. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a welcoming environment for chickadees and contribute to their well-being and conservation.

Native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, including chickadees, and provide them with essential resources such as nectar, seeds, berries, and insects. They also serve as host plants for insects, a crucial protein source for chickadees, especially during the breeding season when they feed their nestlings.

Below, we've compiled a list of the top 20 native plants that attract chickadees to your garden. Consider adding these plants to your landscape to enjoy the company of these delightful birds and promote a healthier ecosystem.

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

   Eastern Redbud is a beautiful deciduous tree known for its stunning pink flowers in spring. Chickadees are attracted to the seeds it produces in pods, making them a great addition to your garden.

2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

   Chickadees love these bright yellow wildflowers for their abundant seeds and the insects they attract.

3. Serviceberry (Amelanchier species)

   Serviceberries produce small, sweet berries that appeal to chickadees and other songbirds.

4. Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

   The nutritious seeds of the sunflower are a favorite of chickadees, attracting them with their high-energy value.

5. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

   Chickadees are drawn to the seeds of this popular wildflower, which also supports a variety of pollinators in your garden.

6. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

   Winterberry is a deciduous holly that produces vibrant red berries that persist through winter, providing chickadees with much-needed sustenance during colder months.

7. Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

   These evergreen trees serve as great nesting sites for chickadees, offering protection and shelter during harsh weather.

8. Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)

   Chickadees are attracted to the fruits of wild cherries, which are an essential food source for them.

9. Wild Bergamot | Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

   This aromatic plant not only attracts chickadees but also encourages the presence of bees and butterflies in your garden.

10. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

    Red maple trees produce seeds in distinctive winged fruit, which chickadees find irresistible.

11. Oak (Quercus alba)

    Oak trees are beautiful to chickadees due to the abundance of resources they provide. Chickadees are primarily insectivorous birds, and oak trees host various insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods. These insects serve as a rich and consistent food source for chickadees throughout the year.

12. Wild Grape (Vitis spp.)

    Wild grapes offer chickadees a delectable food source, and they are known to build their nests in grapevines.

13. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

    Another pine species attracts chickadees with its seeds and shelters them.

14. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

    This low-growing evergreen shrub offers excellent cover for chickadees and other small birds.

15. Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

    Like its close relative, the purple coneflower, this plant provides seeds that attract chickadees.

16. Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

    Elderberry shrubs produce clusters of dark purple berries that chickadees and other birds highly favor.

17. Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

    Chickadees are drawn to this shrub for its nutritious berries and the insects it attracts.

18. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

    Beechnuts from the American beech are an essential food source for chickadees, especially during fall and winter.

19. Common Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis)

    Chickadees enjoy the juicy fruits of blackberry bushes, and these plants also provide protective cover for nesting.

20. Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

    Another species of winterberry provides chickadees with winter sustenance in the form of bright red berries.

By cultivating a garden filled with these native plants, you can help sustain chickadee populations and other wildlife while creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem in your backyard. Native plants benefit chickadees and support a host of other native insects, birds, and animals, contributing to a balanced and healthy environment.

Remember to avoid using harmful pesticides and herbicides in your garden, as they can harm the very creatures you are trying to attract and protect. Instead, opt for natural pest control methods and allow a few "undesirable" plants to coexist, as they often serve as essential hosts for insects vital to the chickadees' diet.

Creating a bird-friendly habitat brings joy to birdwatchers and plays a crucial role in conserving these fascinating creatures for future generations. So, let's take a step towards a greener, more bird-friendly world by incorporating these top 20 native plants that attract chickadees into our gardens and landscapes.

Happy birdwatching!