Native Plants for Riparian Buffers – and Your Backyard

Posted on by PEC
a large tree with trees in tubes next to it in a field
Newly-planted trees. Photo by Sophia Chapin.

Providing for Wildlife

Choosing the species to use in your riparian buffer restoration project can be overwhelming. If you are looking to maximize the shelter provided to terrestrial wildlife, consider these species: 

American Plum (Prunus americana): American plum trees form a dense, thorny thicket that is used by many species. It is valuable for bird nesting, loafing, roosting, and small mammal bedding. 

  • Size: Large shrub or small tree up to 15 feet 
  • Establishment: Transplanted or direct seeded

American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): The large, dense canopy of sycamore trees makes them excellent providers of shade for wildlife. Additionally, sycamores house wood-boring insects and leafhoppers. 

  • Size: Large tree up to 100 feet
  • Establishment: Direct seeded

Black Locust (Robina pseudoacacia): The wood of black locust trees provides the ideal shelter for bird cavities. In particular, it is favored by woodpeckers and flickers. 

  • Size: Large tree up to 85 feet
  • Establishment: Transplanted seedlings

Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): Button bush forms a foliage structure that is commonly used for bird nests. This plant is a  favorite of waterfowl, particularly wood ducks. 

  • Size: Medium shrub up to 12 feet
  • Establishment: Rooted from cuttings or transplanted seedlings

Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa): Indigo bush is an important host plant for many moth and butterfly larvae, including the silver-spotted skipper, gray hairstreak, and hoary edge. 

  • Size: Small to medium bush up to 10 feet
  • Establishment: Directly seeded after soaking

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): Pawpaw trees provide the sole shelter for the larvae of the zebra swallowtail butterfly. Herbivores find the leaves unpalatable, leaving ample foliage for shade.

  • Size: Small to medium tree up to 40 feet
  • Establishment: Directly seeded

Possumbhaw Viburnum (Viburnum nudum): Possumhaw viburnum is a potential host for the spring azure butterfly. It is also known to house humming bird clearwing moths.

  • Size: Large shrub up to 12 feet
  • Establishment: Direct seeded or rooted cutting

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata): Shagbark hickory trees have unique, flaking bark. This bark provides shelter for many insects and small mammals, such as bats and flying squirrels.

  • Size: Large tree averaging 80 feet
  • Establishment: Transplanted seedlings

White Oak (Quercus alba): Due to their size and density, the foliage of white oaks provides Ideal nesting habitat for birds. It also provides abundant shade. 

  • Size: Large tree up to 100 feet
  • Establishment: Direct seeded

Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis): Yellow birch trees are common shelter for squirrels, saw-whet owls, and flying squirrels.

  • Size: Large tree up to 80 feet
  • Establishment: Direct seeded

Produced in partnership with Friends of the Rappahannock, Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, and the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Download the PDF: Riparian Buffers: A guide for landowners in the Virginia Piedmont

Additional Resources