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bird friendly native climbing vines #889915

Asked November 16, 2024, 11:19 AM EST

Hello, We have a large back yard that is fenced in. I would like to plant some native climbing vines that are good for birds either because they provide a good habitat or as a food source. Related question: Will Ampelaster carolinianus grow here or is it too far north? Any comments would be welcome Thank you so much. Vivian

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

We recently published a new web page titled Vines for Maryland Gardens that should be helpful in getting ideas. Birds can benefit from either feeding directly on nectar (for hummingbirds) or berries (like on Trumpet Honeysuckle or wild Grapes), by nesting among the stems, or by using dense vines as shelter from predators or the weather. Insects attracted to the plants can also feed the birds.

Determine the growing conditions available first (how much summer sun the site receives, how well-drained the soil is, if  deer browsing is a problem), and then what structure is available (or can be installed) to support the expected mature size of the vine chosen. Some vines twine around a support, some cling to the surface, and some use tendrils, so not every support structure will work for every type of vine (at least, not without modifications or work-arounds).

We don't have direct experience with Climbing Aster (Ampelaster carolinianus) growing locally to speak to its degree of reliable winter hardiness, but various sources we've checked state it's hardy to either zone 6 or zone 7. On paper, that's hardy enough for Montgomery County, but in practice, other factors might influence hardiness. That said, Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware grows the plant among its collection of eastern U.S. native plants, so that implies that they have had success with it.

Miri
Thank you so much Miri. I’m excited about the native vine page. Will take into consideration things you mention.
Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 18, 2024, at 10:55 AM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied November 19, 2024, 10:33 PM EST

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