Top 20 Native Plants that Attract Sparrows

I enjoy this picture of a white-crowned sparrow perched in our redbud tree. A spectacular sign that spring has sprung.

Photo available at www.BrianRoyPhotography.com

Twenty Native Plants that Attract Sparrows

Sparrows are delightful little birds known for their cheerful songs and vibrant personalities. Attracting these charming creatures to your garden can be a rewarding experience for any bird enthusiast. One effective way to draw sparrows to your yard is by planting native plants that provide them with food, shelter, and nesting sites. Let's explore twenty native plants that are sure to attract sparrows:

1. Wild Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)

Sparrows are attracted to the seeds of wild sunflowers, and these bright, sun-like blooms will add a splash of color to your garden.

2. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

The spiky seed heads of purple coneflowers are a favorite of sparrows, and they also attract other pollinators, creating a vibrant ecosystem in your garden.

3. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans provide a bounty of seeds that sparrows find irresistible, and their golden petals are a beautiful sight.

4. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

The berries of the Eastern Red Cedar are a winter food source for sparrows when other seeds are scarce.

5. American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberries are a favorite of sparrows and attract other fruit-eating birds.

6. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

Sparrows appreciate milkweed's fluffy seeds while supporting the monarch butterfly population.

7. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass provides nesting material for sparrows and is an excellent cover plant for them.

8. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

The nectar-rich wild bergamot flowers attract insects that sparrows feed on during the breeding season.

9. Bluestem Grass (Andropogon gerardii)

Bluestem grasses offer an abundance of seeds that sparrows adore.

10. Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

This tree's sweet and juicy mulberries are a tasty treat for sparrows.

11. Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides)

Gamagrass provides sparrows with nesting material and valuable seeds.

12. American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

Sparrows appreciate the nuts of the American Hazelnut, especially during winter.

13. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

This grass offers a seed source and nesting material for sparrows.

14. Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Like its purple cousin, the Eastern Purple Coneflower attracts sparrows with its nutritious seeds.

15. Rye Grass (Lolium spp.)

Sparrows find the seeds of ryegrasses highly palatable.

16. Wild Raisin (Viburnum nudum)

The berries of wild raisins are a late-season food source for sparrows.

17. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem is an essential grass for sparrows' nesting and feeding needs.

18. Northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)

The waxy berries of Northern Bayberry are favored by sparrows.

19. Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)

Sparrows are attracted to the seeds of wild indigo plants.

20. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

American beech nuts are a fall treat that sparrows enjoy.

By incorporating these twenty native plants into your garden, you can create a welcoming haven for sparrows and other wildlife. Remember to avoid using harmful pesticides and herbicides, as they can negatively impact these beautiful birds and the ecosystem they rely on. With a bit of patience and a commitment to providing natural habitat, you'll soon find your garden buzzing with the delightful presence of sparrows.