by Lydia Holley                                         March 3, 2025

At last month’s Henderson County Master Gardener Association meeting, Master Gardener Chuck Lohrmann gave a presentation on attracting birds to a garden. Besides water and shelter, he listed the following seven berry-producing plants as birds’ favorites. If you are interested in having feathered friends in your garden, you might want to add one or two to your landscape. 

Dogwood—There are several types of dogwood. The most commonly seen in East Texas is probably the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), and is grown mostly for its four-petaled flowers. However, it is a true four-season plant, as dogwood’s leaves turn a bright red in fall. Besides flowering dogwood, other dogwoods which have berries the birds will appreciate include Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa), Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas), Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), Evergreen dogwood (Cornus capitata), and Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii). 

Eastern Red Cedar—Evergreen with blue berries, eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) grows almost anywhere, from zones 2 through 9, in acidic or alkaline soils, sand to clay, and in full or part sun. It can be grown individually or can be useful planted as a screen or windbreak. 

Elderberry—Native to Europe, Sambucus nigra has edible black berries which are used in jellies, pies, wines, and some medications. Some resources list it as growing in zone 8, others only to zone 7. However, Sambuscus canadensis is the native American elderberry and will grow in zone 8. It is often used as a hedge. 

Holly—There are over 500 species of holly (Ilex), which include American holly, possumhaw holly, winterberry, yaupon holly, and crosses between two species, such as Savannah holly. Most are evergreen and many have bright red berries.

Serviceberry—The berries on Amelanchier canadensis turn red to dark purple and are another berry used in various foods. 

Sumac—There are several types of sumac (Rhus) and should not be confused with poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix). The most commonly seen sumacs in East Texas are probably smooth sumac (R. glabra), though it usually found in woods instead of landscapes because of its tendency to spread by suckers. 

Viburnum—There are over 100 species of viburnum, many which are grown for their beautiful flowers in spring. 

Part of the joy of gardening is enjoying the wildlife that comes with it. Consider growing plants for their berries so your garden is not only beautiful but also becomes a sanctuary for birds.