Landscape Design Misc Trees

5 Great Trees for Winter Wildlife

By Arbor Day Foundation | January 18, 2018

Here are five trees that help make life a bit better for our feathered and furry friends during these harsh winter months.

American Goldfinch in crabapple by Jake Dingel

American Goldfinch in a crabapple tree. Photo: Jake Dingel

Snowdrift Crabapple (Malus ‘Snowdrift’) – These beautiful trees will stun you with their Spring display, then stun you again with their fall color, then top it off by bringing an incredible variety of birds, including bluebirds and thrushes, to your yard throughout the winter. Fun fact: There are over 800 different crabapple cultivars.

eastern hemlock photo by paul smith's college

Canadian Hemlock Photo: Paul Smith’s College

Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) – This hemlock provides a cozy home for winter wildlife along with putting dinner on the table. Some of the many species that will show up to enjoy this tree with you are juncos and chickadees, as well as other small mammals.

hackberry photo by missouri botanical garden

Hackberry in the winter. Photo: Missouri Botanical Garden

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) – Hackberry fruit can be counted on to be popular with winter birds, especially the cedar waxwing, mockingbird and robin. In other seasons the tree also attracts butterfly species including American snout, comma, hackberry, mourning cloak, tawny emperor and question mark.

persimmon-tree

Persimmon Tree

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) – Foxes and raccoons are among the many small mammals that enjoy finding Persimmon fruit in the winter. Persimmon fruit doubles as a tasty treat for you and your family. Check out all these great recipes.

black-capped chickadee in staghorn sumac photobysuzanne britton

Black-Capped Chickadee in Staghorn Sumac. Photo: Suzanne Britton

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)– Not to be confused with Poison Sumac, this nontoxic shrub or small tree draws a number of different songbirds, including chickadees, throughout the winter. Plus, the fruit makes a fine lemonade alternative!

Do you have other suggestions? Tell us about them on our Facebook.

canadian hemlockhackberrypersimmonsnowdrift crabapplestaghorn sumactrees for wildlifewinter treeswinter wildlife

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Arbor Day Foundation

We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.

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2 Comments

  • Reply
    Doyle Jones
    February 8, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    How much r ur Green Giant Arborvitae trees?

    • Reply
      Christine Hutfles
      February 8, 2018 at 3:37 pm

      Hey Doyle, we have a few options when ordering Green Giant Arborvitaes: bareroot, or potted. I’ve listed the prices for you below. Please note, if you become an Arbor Day Foundation member, you receive the member price.

      Bareroot: $4.98 each (member price), $8.00 (regular price)
      Here’s a link to our Bareroot type: https://shop.arborday.org/product.aspx?zpid=779

      Potted: $21.95 (member price), $32.75 (regular price)
      Here’s a link to our Potted type: https://shop.arborday.org/product.aspx?zpid=2430

      Thanks!

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