Birmingham, Alabama 35201
Native plants play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife, particularly in urban and suburban areas. For gardeners in Birmingham, Alabama, located in the Southern Outer Piedmont Level IV EPA ecoregion, there is a diverse array of native plant species that can create vibrant, low-maintenance landscapes while benefiting pollinators and other wildlife. This curated list of 20 native plants includes perennial and annual forbs, grasses, shrubs, and small trees, all selected for their high value to local ecosystems and their adaptability to home gardens.
Perennial Forbs
Perennial forbs form the backbone of many native gardens, offering long-lasting beauty and ecological benefits. In Birmingham’s Southern Outer Piedmont ecoregion, standout species include the drought-tolerant Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and the vibrant Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), both of which attract a variety of pollinators. Other notable perennials are the Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), known for its long bloom period, and the aromatic Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), which is particularly attractive to bees and hummingbirds. For gardens with moist soil, Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) provides essential habitat for monarch butterflies while adding a splash of pink to the landscape.
Annual Forbs
Complementing perennial plantings, annual forbs provide bursts of color and attract pollinators throughout the growing season. Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella) stands out with its vibrant red and yellow blooms, thriving in full sun and tolerating drought conditions. Another excellent choice is Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), which not only attracts bees and butterflies with its yellow flowers but also provides seeds for birds. These annuals are easy to grow from seed, making them cost-effective options for filling gaps in the garden or creating colorful meadow-like areas.
Native Grasses for Birmingham
Native grasses play a vital role in Birmingham’s landscapes, providing structure, movement, and habitat for wildlife. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) stands tall with its deep roots preventing soil erosion, while Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) offers a more compact option with striking blue-green foliage that turns reddish in fall. Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) completes the trio with its golden seed heads, attracting birds and supporting beneficial insects. These grasses thrive in full sun conditions and require minimal maintenance once established, making them excellent choices for eco-friendly gardens in the Southern Outer Piedmont ecoregion.
Shrubs and Small Trees
Enhancing the diversity and structure of Birmingham gardens, native shrubs and small trees provide year-round interest and vital resources for wildlife. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) offers vibrant purple berries that attract birds, while its pink flowers draw pollinators. The fragrant Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) thrives in partial shade, providing dense cover for wildlife. For smaller spaces, New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) attracts pollinators with its white flowers and supports birds with its seeds. Taller options like Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) and Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) provide early spring blooms for pollinators and later produce fruits for birds and mammals. American Holly (Ilex opaca) and Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) offer evergreen foliage and winter berries, ensuring year-round habitat and food sources for local fauna.
