Let’s talk about grasses, sedges, and rushes for our winged allies. These unassuming plants provide shelter, food sources, and nesting material for a diverse array of birds.
Leaving seed heads on grasses and sedges throughout the winter isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it’s an important lifeline for seed-eating birds. Species such as Panicum, Sorghastrum, Deschampsia, and various sedges produce seeds that sustain songbirds, game birds, and waterfowl during the harsh winter months. Preserving these seed sources ensures that our avian companions have access to nourishment when resources are scarce. The benefits of grasses extend far beyond mere sustenance. Growing baby birds consume the butterfly and moth larvae that grasses host in the spring and summer. The interconnectedness of ecosystems is underscored by the relationship among grasses, insects, and birds, as well as the vital role that these plants play in supporting biodiversity.
Speaking of baby birds, let’s not forget that grasses provide foliage for nest-making, as well as cover and protection from predators. American Goldfinches, Gray Catbirds, and House Sparrows build nests in the foliage of grasses like Schizachyrium,Sporobolus, Nassella, and Muhlenbergia. Ground-nesting birds, such as the Bobwhite Quail and Eastern Meadowlark, also rely on the thick cover of these grasses. This structural support is not only necessary for nest construction, but also for the essential camouflage needed to shield vulnerable eggs and hatchlings from predators.
Rushes also provide food, shelter, and nesting materials, especially for many water-loving birds. The dense, upright growth of Juncus effusus provides excellent nesting sites for birds like Great Blue Herons, Virginia Rails, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Marsh Wrens, who often build their nests among the plant’s stems. Several bird species consume the small seed heads of Juncus, just like they do with many grasses.
The preservation of these habitats becomes even more crucial in an era characterized by habitat loss and environmental degradation. By conserving these vital ecosystems, we not only protect the habitats of countless bird species but the delicate balance of nature itself. Through responsible land management practices and a commitment to conservation, we can ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the beauty and diversity of our avian companions.
Related Posts
Grass & Sedges for Resilient Landscapes, Part One: Loss of Biodiversity
As disruptive natural events become more common, there is an increased need for communities to recover quickly and regenerate. Working with nature (instead of against it) to build resilient landscapes provides a foundation for recovery and regeneration that can improve human and ecological health. A resilient landscape is an adaptive, forward-looking framework that works with nature to design and retrofit communities, and spaces to recover quickly and provide solutions from extreme events such as loss of biodiversity, drought, extreme heat, fire, flooding, and landslides. In this six-part blog post series, we examine each of these extreme events and recommend grasses and sedges that work well in resilient landscapes. Our first post covers loss of biodiversity.
Did you know? Many grasses and sedges provide for and protect our pollinator friends. They supply nesting space and shelter away from predators and bad weather as well as provide a place to raise their young and forage for food. Grasses and sedges can also serve as the foundation for a designed plant community. Check out a few of the grasses and sedges below that support pollinators.
Happy Pollinator Week! Grasses and sedges are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators. But many of our native species provide food and nesting material for butterflies and native bees. See how we've used these grasses and other perennials to create our 'Eco Bank' at the nursery.
