Posted on May 9, 2025 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

If you want to create a vibrant, thriving garden in Pittsburg, Kansas, look no further than the local plant species that naturally support pollinators and birds. Choose native varieties that bring beauty to your landscape and sustain the delicate ecosystems that birds, bees, and butterflies rely on for food and shelter. Here’s how you can make your garden a haven for wildlife with the right local plant species.

Why Native Plants Matter for Wildlife

Local plant species have evolved alongside native pollinators and birds for thousands of years, forming essential relationships. These plants provide nectar, pollen, seeds, and berries and safe nesting and sheltering spots.

When you fill your yard with local plant species, you help maintain the food webs and habitats that birds and pollinators need to survive year-round. “Native plants help maintain or recreate ecological systems and food webs that have evolved over thousands of years to allow birds and biodiversity to thrive,” says Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s native plant specialist, Becca Rodomsky-Bish.

Top Perennials for Pollinators

Many Kansas natives are showy, easy to grow, and irresistible to pollinators. Here are a few favorites:

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its long-lasting blooms and nutritious seeds.
• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): A vital host for monarch butterflies and a nectar source for many pollinators.
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Loved by hummingbirds and bumblebees for its aromatic lavender flowers.
• Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa): Provides late-season nectar for migrating butterflies and bees.
• Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.): Offers bright, cheerful blooms that attract various pollinators.

Berry-Producing Shrubs for Birds

Shrubs that produce berries are a lifeline for birds, especially in winter. Consider these local plant species for your landscape:

• Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium): Provides berries relished by overwintering birds and dense coverage for nesting.
• Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum): Another excellent choice for fruit and shelter.
• Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): The only native evergreen in Kansas, offering berries and winter protection.
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): Early spring blooms for pollinators and summer berries for birds.

Trees That Benefit Both Pollinators and Birds

Trees are the backbone of a wildlife-friendly garden. They provide nectar, pollen, seeds, and nesting sites. Some top choices include:

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Early spring flowers attract bees and butterflies.
• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida): Offers spring nectar and fall berries.
• Maple (Acer spp.): Early pollen source for bees and seeds for birds.

Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

By focusing on local plant species, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance garden supporting pollinators and birds that keep our Kansas landscapes healthy and lively. 

• Plant various local plant species that bloom from early spring to late fall for continuous food sources.
• Include trees, shrubs, and perennials to offer food and shelter at different heights.
• Avoid pesticides, which can harm pollinators and birds.
• Provide a water source, such as a birdbath or shallow dish.
• Leave some leaf litter and dead wood for nesting and overwintering insects.

Visit Van Becelaere Greenhouse to discover the perfect plants for your wildlife-friendly garden!