Native Shrubs at River Valley HP

Common Name Botanical Name Benefits to Wildlife Region  
American Beautyberry Callicarpa americana American beautyberry provides food for songbirds, bobwhite quail, robins, cardinals, finches, armadillos, gray foxes, squirrels, and more. United States
Blackberry Rubus villosus Blackberries provide pollen and nectar for many insects and songbirds. They are also a food source sought after by deer, turkeys, rabbits, quail, coyotes, and possums. Native varieties that have thorns provide shelter for smaller animals and make great nesting sites for some species of birds. North American Native
Blueberry - Rabbiteye Vaccinum ashei Blueberries are a great food source for birds and other animals. The carpenter bee and blueberry bee forage almost exclusively on the flowers during bloom time. Southeastern U.S.
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush nectar is great for attracting butterflies, moths, and other insects. This native produces nut-like seeds that are a great source of food for waterfowl and makes a great nesting site for birds. Southeastern U.S.
Chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia Chokeberry provides a source of food for white-tailed deer and rabbits to browse on and fruits for ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse. This plant also provides great cover and nesting sites for birds. Eastern North America
Clethra Clethra alnifolia The nectar of Clethra or "pepperbush" is a source of food for a wide variety of butterflies, songbirds, and bees. Eastern United States
Exbury/Native Azaleas Exbury x Great nectar source for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Southeastern United States
Fothergilla or Witch-alder Fothergilla major Fothergilla's pollen/nectar rich flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and moths. Eastern United States
Inkberry Ilex glabra Great source of nectar for bees. In the U.S., honey made from bees foraging this plant is highly rated. White-tail deer also enjoy browsing this plant though it is somewhat resistant to permanent damage when browsing occurs. Inkberry is also the host plant for the Henry's Elfin butterfly. These adult butterflies are attracted to the blooms. The fruit provides a source of food for birds and other small mammels. Eastern United States
Itea or Virginia Sweetspire Itea virginica Seeds provide source of food for songbirds. Nectar source for butterflies and other insects. Southern United States
Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf Hydrangea flowers are attractive to butterflies and other insects. The seeds are a food source for songbirds. Rabbits enjoy browsing on the leaves of the oakleaf hydrangea but due to the plants toughness, it tends to bounce back quickly. Southeast United States
Viburnum Arrow-Wood Viburnum dentatum Berry-like drupes provide source of food and attract birds and other mammels. Native Americans reportedly used the straight stems for arrows, hence the name. Eastern United States
Wax Myrtle Myrica cerifera Excellent provider of cover that provides winter and extreme weather protection. Wax Myrtle is the host plant for the Red-Banded Hairstreak butterfly. Fruits provide food source for birds, especially the Yellow- Rumped Warblers. Southeastern United States
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana & Hamamelis vernalis Leaves are browsed by White-tail deer as source of food. Seeds are a food source for wild turkeys. United States