By Hali Plourde-Rogers
Our gardens and yards in winter appear sleepy, as if everything is hibernating. Maybe it’s the blanket of leaves or the subdued colors. However, when you look closer, past the fallen blooms, berries, seeds, and leaves, birds and wildlife are busy searching for food and shelter. Your quiet winter garden can be both beautiful and beneficial with a little planning and planting. There are lots of native plants that don’t just survive the cold but shine in it. These plants also offer food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife when it’s needed most.
Even planting one native shrub or removing a patch of invasive ivy can make a lasting impact.
Why Native Plants Matter
Native plants evolved here on the Eastern Shore. They’re adapted to our climate, support local wildlife, and require less maintenance once established. In winter, the natives listed in this article offer berries and cover. They also look nice in your yard, and some can even be tea or holiday decorations.
As Shannon Alexander from the Department of Conservation and Recreation shared during our Conservation Talk on native plants earlier this year:
“You don’t have to plant in the most visible areas of your yard. Not everyone wants to see plants eaten by caterpillars. I do! But you can plant strategically and still have your show areas.”
10 Native Plants That Shine
Here are ten native plants that help wildlife thrive and bring color and texture to your yard in winter.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - Golden fall leaves and yellow winter flowers. Birds love the fruit.
Inkberry (Ilex glabra) - Evergreen with black berries. Great for wreaths and migratory birds. Bobwhite Quail eat the berries.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) - Bright red berries feed birds and pollinators. A winter showstopper.
Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) - Evergreen with red berries. Can be used for tea and holiday decorations.
Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) - Evergreen with blue berries. Salt-tolerant and butterfly-friendly. Great for waterfront buffers.
Winged/Shining Sumac (Rhus copallinum) - Red berries persist into winter. Hosts over 50 moth species including the Luna Moth. Can be used to make tea.
Arrow-wood (Viburnum dentatum) - Blue berries and fall color. Great for nesting birds like the Eastern bluebird.
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) - Evergreen groundcover. Provides nesting material and winter interest.
Carolina Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) - Evergreen vine with yellow blooms in late winter. Hummingbirds and swallow tail butterflies are attracted to the flowers. Moderately salt-tolerant.
White Oak - Burgundy fall leaves linger into winter. Supports hundreds of insect species.
Getting Started
Even a small yard can feel overwhelming. I live on just over an acre, and during peak growing season, the maintenance usually gets away from me. This spring, I focused on one task, cutting back English ivy around our pecan tree. It felt manageable and made a difference.
Shannon’s recommendations during the Conservation Talk help break your goal down into specific and achievable actions:
Choose one invasive species to remove especially those of particular concern (DCR has a list on their website).
Pick one native to plant this spring (or ten!).
Divide your yard into zones and tackle one at a time.
Observe the wildlife in your yard and add their host plant. This is particularly impactful for caterpillars.
Don’t spray. Pesticides harm beneficial species as well as pest species.
Resources
We’re proud partners of Plant Eastern Shore Natives, and we have free copies of their guide available at our office in Onancock. In the guide, you’ll find more pollinator friendly plants and tips to get started.