ORNAMENTAL PLANTINGS FOR WILDLIFE 
     
    
   
   
    
     by Geoff Hogan, Springvale 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     Planting trees and shrubs fer our own pleasure and fer the benefit of 
     
     wildlife frequently begins with the question: What should I plant, evergreens 
     
     or deciduous, native species or ornamentals? A mixture of evergreen and decid- 
     
     uous species is the best approach fer the benefit of wildlife, while the choice 
     
     of materials is less crucial. Wildlife does not differentiate between native 
     
     and ornamental species, and certainly there are species of trees and shrubs in 
     
     both groups that are highly beneficial as sources of fbod and shelter. 
     
    

    
     Listed below are a selection of ornamental trees and shrubs that are valued 
     
     ' fer their esthetic appeal as well as usefulness to wildlife. There are many other 
     
     ornamentals to choose from besides those mentioned here. Whatever your choice, 
     
     the presence of trees and shrubs to give shelter, fbod or both will make your 
     
     property more attractive fer wildlife. * 
     
    
   
   
    
     DECIDUOUS 
     
    
   
   
    
     Crab apple (Malus) - A valuable group of small trees in which certain varieties 
     
     retain their fruit well into the winter; some varieties are not heavy 
     
     fruit producers and therefore are of less value to wildlife. The fruit are 
     
     eaten by many birds and may be especially important fer over wintering or 
     
     early arriving robins. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Amur nuple (Acer ginnala) - A small maple with brilliant red leaves in the fall. 
     
     The bright red seeds are eaten by a variety of bird species. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) - Similar to the 
     
     native species of mountain ash with clusters of red- 
     
     ’orange berries in the fall, a favorite fbod tree fer 
     
     many birds, especially robins. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifblia) - An attractive tree 
     
     with silvery leaves. The inconspicuous fruit are 
     
     readily eaten by birds. This tree does well in dry, 
     
     sunny areas. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     Black locust (Rbbinia pseudocacia) - The fragrant flowers of this tree are 
     
     attractive to humans as well as hummingbirds. The Suckering habit may be 
     
     a nuisance if planted too close to flower beds but no trouble if grown in 
     
     a lawn. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     EVERGREEN 
     
    
   
   
    
     Mugho pine (Pinus mugo) - A compact pine resembling a shrub whose dense needle 
     
     growth provides shelter fbr birds close to the ground. Both dwarf and 
     
     standard types are available. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     Cblorado spruce (Picea pungens) — Several varieties of this tree have bluish 
     
     needles and are referred to as blue spruce. The seeds from the cones and 
     
     shelter by the feliage are attractive to birds. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) — The exceptionally dense fbliage of this pine 
     
     provides wildlife shelter, even at an early age. It looks especially good 
     
     when combined with white birch. ‘ ‘ 
     
    
   
   
    
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