Top 20 Native Plants That Attract Juncos

Juncos, also known as "snowbirds," are delightful little birds often hopping around gardens and yards during colder months. These small, seed-loving birds are native to North America and are widely distributed across various regions. Attracting juncos to your garden can be a rewarding experience, and one of the best ways to do this is by planting native plants that provide them with food, shelter, and nesting sites. Here, we present the top 20 native plants that attract juncos to your garden:

1. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

The Eastern Red Cedar is an evergreen tree that provides a year-round food source for juncos. Its blueberry-like fruits attract juncos, and its dense foliage offers excellent shelter for these birds during harsh weather.

2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

The bright and cheerful Black-eyed Susan is a favorite of juncos. Its seeds are a valuable food source during winter when other resources may be scarce.

3. Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Common Sunflowers produce abundant seeds that juncos find irresistible. Leave the seed heads standing in the winter to provide a natural feeding station for these birds.

4. American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

The American Elderberry attracts juncos with its berries and provides a nesting site due to its dense branching structure.

5. Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

The Eastern Hemlock offers year-round shelter for juncos with its dense evergreen foliage, and the seeds it produces are an essential part of their diet.

6. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

The Red Maple is an important food source for juncos during the fall when its seeds mature and provide a nutritious feast.

7. Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis)

This low-growing plant produces berries that juncos find attractive, serving as an excellent ground cover for them to forage.

8. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Juncos are fond of the seeds produced by Eastern White Pine cones, and the branches provide a safe roosting spot.

9. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot's nectar-rich flowers attract insects, which, in turn, draw juncos to feed on them.

10. Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

This shrub produces clusters of white berries that juncos enjoy, and its thick growth offers excellent protection.

11. Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Juncos are attracted to the Northern Bayberry's waxy, blue-gray berries, and its dense growth makes it a preferred nesting site.

12. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

The Eastern Redbud's seed pods provide juncos with a much-needed food source during winter.

13. Common Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Juncos favor Common Serviceberry's sweet berries and are also a magnet for other bird species.

14. Eastern Juniper (Juniperus communis)

The berries of the Eastern Juniper are a reliable winter food source for juncos, attracting them when other resources are limited.

15. Wild Grape (Vitis spp.)

Juncos are known to enjoy the fruits of various wild grape species, and the dense vines offer excellent nesting opportunities.

16. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Winterberry's bright red berries persist into winter, providing a valuable food source for juncos when insects are scarce.

17. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Juncos are attracted to Virginia Creeper's dark berries, and the dense foliage provides a safe habitat for these birds.

18. Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

The fluffy seeds of Eastern Cottonwood serve as a crucial winter food source for juncos.

19. American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

American Hazelnut's nuts are a favorite of juncos, and the shrub's dense growth offers excellent protection.

20. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed's nectar-rich flowers attract insects, which attract juncos looking for a meal.

By incorporating these native plants into your garden or landscape, you can create an inviting habitat for juncos throughout the year. Remember to provide a water source, such as a birdbath, and avoid using pesticides that may harm the birds and their food sources. With a little effort and consideration, you can enjoy the presence of these charming snowbirds and contribute to their well-being.