Native Shrubs/Trees for Screening

People often ask what evergreen shrubs and trees are good for year-round screening that also benefit wildlife. This comprehensive list is from The Living Landscape by Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy.

  • Chamaecyparis thyoides Atlantic white cedar – useful along streambanks; larval host for rare Hessel’s hairstreak
  • Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar – juniper cones provide important winter food for cedar waxwings; foliage supports many specialist butterflies like the juniper hairstreak
  • Pinus rigida Pitch pine, Pinus strobus White pine, and Pinus virginiana Virginia pine – seeds provide significant wintering food for many mammals and birds; support 210 species of caterpillars needed for bird nestlings
  • Ilex glabra Inkberry and Ilex opaca American holly – excellent pollen and nectar source for native bees; produce copious berries for winter birds
  • Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel – some value for pollinators
  • Rhododendron maximum Great laurel, rosebay rododendron – valuable cover for wildlife