During the cold, gray winter months, any splash of color is a welcome sight. Often, these colors come from visiting songbirds that stay throughout the season. Many people try to attract these birds by putting up feeders, but there??s an even better way?? planting winter berries.
Winter berries are trees or shrubs that retain their fruit throughout the winter. These plants are ideal for helping backyard songbirds??and other wildlife??survive the cold temperatures. Some species of winter berries keep their leaves, while others lose their leaves but remain adorned with vibrant fruit.
In 2019, the United States Postal Service honored four species of winter berries with postage stamps: winterberry, juniper, beautyberry, and soapberry. The first three are important food sources for many animals, including birds like woodpeckers, quail, robins, waxwings, and catbirds??species that usually feed on insects. When planting winter berries, it??s essential to choose shrubs and trees native to your area. Native plants are more suited to your local climate, and they won??t compete with local species.
Whether you plant winter berries to support the birds or to add much-needed color to your yard, they are sure to bring a touch of beauty??even in the snow.
