The Biohedge Revisited

By Chuck Martin, Dow Gardens Horticulturist

Previously I wrote about the term biohedge and its meaning.  I stated that it was a relatively recent landscaping term.  Even though it is somewhat  modern, the idea of planting a hedge to encourage wildlife has been around for some time. 

 Our family owned a cottage on a lake that was surrounded by state owned land. I won’t tell you how many years ago that was.  The state had planted long hedges of tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) for the birds and animals. The wildlife ate the fruit and nested in its multi-stemmed trunks.  Looking back on this I realized that this was an attempt at planting hedges for wildlife, or the infant stage of the “biohedge”.

 The problem with these original “biohedges” planted with tatarian honeysuckle is that this species of honeysuckle is non native and isn’t great for the bird’s digestive system.  It is often thought that if birds eat the berries of a plant it must be good for them.  In fact the fruit has somewhat of a laxative quality so that the birds will “naturally” spread it throughout the land.  Too much laxative or honeysuckle isn’t good for the bird’s stomach or the expulsion port.  I believe it was the honeysuckle that encouraged the classic poem that was recited often when I was growing up.  I am sure you all remember it.  If not I’ll remind you of this poetic classic.

                        I looked up in the sky,

                        I saw a birdie flying high,

                        He let a white wash in my eye,

                        I didn’t pout, I didn’t cry,

                        I am just glad cows don’t fly.

To prompt wildlife into your yard the use of native plants is strongly encouraged.  The animals’ digestive system is accustom to native plants.  Also these plants tend to be lower maintenance.  

  A few aggressive non-native plants can become invasive and push our native plants out of their habitat.  We have affectionately termed these plants weeds. 

 Instead of planting one variety or species of plants, a mixture of plant species is recommended.  A diversity of plant species will increase the diversity of wildlife. By increasing forms, habits and fruit type of the plants we choose for our bio-hedges, we not only increase the aesthetic interest but the wildlife variety is also increased.

 Our native plants have to live through the four seasons that the mid-west throws upon them.  Many of our natives show excellent beauty in each of the seasons.  They have a beautiful display of flowers that are followed by berries, nuts and seeds.  In the fall the vivid colors are often breath taking.  In the winter not only do the evergreens brighten up the landscape but many natives also have excellent bark characteristics.

 Some of the native trees that are less than 25 feet tall that can be used in a biohedge are Shadblow Serviceberry (Amelanchier Canadensis), Allegheny Serviceberry(Amelanchier laevis), Pagoda Dogwood(Cornus alternifolia), Washington Hawthorn(Crataegus phaenopyrum), and Redcedar(Juniperus virginiana).  These small trees have the four seasons of interest.  They also have fruits that are attractive to birds and other fruit eating animals.

 Biohedge shrubs that are over 10 feet tall with great ornamental characteristics are the following:  Silky Dogwood (Cornus amonum), Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa),
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera or sericea), American Hazelnut (Corylus Americana), Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), Common Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis), Red Elderberry (Sambucus pubens), Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum), Nannyberry Viburnum (Viburnum lentago), Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) and American Cranberrybush Viburnum (Viburnum trilobum).

If you need shorter shrubs that are in the 6-10 foot range try these wildlife attracting shrubs: Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) and Winterberry (Ilex verticillata).

Great natives that are less than 5 feet tall are the following: Old Field Juniper (Juniperus communis depressa), Canada Yew (Taxus canadensis), Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica), Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina), Virginia Rose (Rosa virginiana) and Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium).