American beautyberry, Callicarpa americana (family: Lamiaceae), is a deciduous shrub growing 4 to 6 feet tall. It bears clusters of small, pinkish flowers along the stems in spring and early summer. These are followed by round fruits that turn purple when ripe. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers and the berries make this shrub one of the best attractants for birds. American beautyberry grows best in partial or full shade. It is drought tolerant and needs little care once it is established. The cultivar ‘Lactea’ bears white berries. Callicarpa americana is hardy in Zones 6b–11.

 

Pignut hickory, Carya glabra (family: Juglandaceae), is a large-growing tree that can reach 50 to 90 feet tall. It is deciduous, with the leaves turning a bright orange-yellow before dropping in early winter. This tree bears bitter nuts that were originally fed to pigs. These nuts are an important food source for squirrels and other animals. Pignut hickory is very drought tolerant and is hardy in Zones 6–9.

 

 

 

Firebush, Hamelia patens (family: Rubiaceae), is a large shrub or small tree reaching 8 to 10 feet tall. It bears clusters of red to reddish-orange tubular flowers almost all year. These flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. It also bears purplish-black berries, which attract birds. Firebush will grow in sun or light shade. It is very drought tolerant and fast growing. Firebush is hardy in Zones 9–11.

 

 

 

Dahoon holly, Ilex cassine (family: Aquifoliaceae), is an evergreen tree that grows 20 to 30 feet tall. Female specimens bear bright red berries in fall and winter. These berries attract birds, which feed on them. It also is a good nesting tree. Dahoon holly grows best in moist soil but is drought tolerant. It is hardy in Zones 7b–10.

 

 

 

 

Wax myrtle, Morella cerifera (family: Myricaceae), is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree. It can grow 10 to 20 feet tall. It is cold hardy, salt tolerant and can grow in dry or wet soil. Wax myrtle can be used as a screen or small tree. The bluish-colored berries are favored by birds. The thick growth makes for good nesting and cover sites. Wax myrtle was formerly known as Myrica cerifera. It is hardy in zones 7b–11. There is a dwarf form called var. pumila that only grows 1 to 2 feet tall.

 

 

Sand live oak, Quercus geminata (family: Fagaceae) is similar to the common southern live oak, Quercus virginiana, but is smaller, only growing 20 to 30 feet tall. This makes it much more suitable to smaller yards. It is evergreen and drought tolerant. It bears small acorns that are an important source of food for wildlife. Sand live oak is hardy in Zones 8–11.