Texas gardens get even more alive in fall when berry-producing shrubs start feeding wildlife. These 13 shrubs not only look beautiful but also keep birds returning to your yard all season.
I’ve planted a few myself, and watching them flock to feast is truly a joy. Add some of these shrubs and enjoy a lively, bird-filled yard through the colder months.
1. American Beautyberry
The vibrant purple clusters that appear in fall are like nature’s candy for birds. Cardinals, mockingbirds, and thrashers flock to these eye-catching berries throughout Texas.
Beautyberries persist well into winter, offering reliable food when other sources dwindle. Their drought tolerance makes them perfect for Texas landscapes while providing crucial nutrition for feathered friends.
2. Yaupon Holly
Hardy and versatile, this evergreen native thrives across the Lone Star State. Female plants produce abundant red berries that cedar waxwings and robins devour during winter migrations through Texas.
You’ll find these adaptable shrubs in landscapes from Houston to El Paso. The compact growth habit makes yaupon perfect for smaller gardens while still providing substantial bird food through the coldest months.
3. Possumhaw Holly
Unlike its evergreen cousins, possumhaw drops its leaves in winter, creating a spectacular display of exposed bright red berries. Bluebirds and mockingbirds particularly love these nutritious treats throughout central Texas.
The deciduous nature of this native holly creates striking winter interest in the landscape. Female plants need a male pollinator nearby to produce the berries that sustain birds during Texas’ unpredictable winter weather.
4. Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum
Fall brings clusters of blue-black berries that wild birds can’t resist. Native to East Texas woodlands, this viburnum offers both spring flowers and autumn fruit that attracts thrushes and warblers.
The berries ripen just as bird migration peaks across the state. Many Texas gardeners appreciate how this understory shrub thrives in partial shade while providing essential late-season nutrition for resident and migrating species.
5. Texas Elderberry
Summer’s end brings clusters of purplish-black berries that attract numerous songbird species. Throughout North Texas, these native shrubs thrive along stream banks and in moist areas.
Birds spread the seeds across the landscape after feasting on the nutritious berries. Texas gardeners should note that while birds love elderberries, the raw berries aren’t recommended for human consumption without proper preparation.
6. Agarita
Bright red berries appear in spring but often persist into fall, providing early winter food for birds. This tough, drought-resistant native thrives in the harsh conditions of Central and West Texas.
The spiny foliage offers birds protection from predators while they feed. Texas wildlife enthusiasts appreciate how this shrub supports native birds while requiring almost no maintenance in the home landscape.
7. Flameleaf Sumac
Red berry clusters stand tall above spectacular autumn foliage, creating a feast for the eyes and for birds. These native sumacs thrive in poor soils across Texas, from Dallas to the Hill Country.
The dense berry clusters remain available through winter storms and cold snaps. Many Texas birds, especially bluebirds and mockingbirds, rely on these berries during the leanest months when insects are scarce.
8. Texas Persimmon
Small black fruits ripen in late summer but often remain on female plants into fall. Birds and other wildlife throughout South Texas eagerly devour these sweet treats.
The contrast of dark berries against silvery bark creates winter interest in the landscape. Texas gardeners appreciate how this drought-tolerant native supports birds while requiring minimal care in challenging growing conditions.
9. Evergreen Sumac
Red berry clusters appear in late summer and persist through fall, attracting numerous bird species. Unlike its deciduous relatives, this sumac keeps its leathery green leaves year-round in many parts of Texas.
The berries provide essential nutrition during winter months when food is scarce. Texas Hill Country gardeners particularly value this native shrub for its ability to support wildlife while thriving in challenging limestone soils.
10. Coralberry
Tiny pink berries cluster along arching branches, creating a delicate display that lasts well into winter. This understory native thrives in woodland edges throughout North and East Texas.
Birds especially appreciate these berries during late winter when other food sources are depleted. Texas gardeners value coralberry for its shade tolerance and ability to naturalize in areas where other shrubs struggle.
11. Roughleaf Dogwood
Clusters of white berries turn bluish in fall, providing food for over 40 bird species. This native dogwood thrives in the eastern third of Texas, especially in woodland edges and partially shaded areas.
The berries ripen just as bird migration peaks across the state. Many Texas gardeners appreciate how this understory shrub supports wildlife while adding multi-season interest to naturalized landscapes.
12. Mexican Buckeye
Unusual capsules split open in fall to reveal shiny seeds that attract various birds. Though not technically berries, these seeds provide valuable nutrition throughout South Texas winters.
The multi-stemmed growth habit creates excellent shelter for birds during harsh weather. Texas gardeners value this native for its spring flowers, fall seed display, and ability to support wildlife in challenging growing conditions.
13. Chile Pequin
Tiny bright red peppers attract surprisingly many bird species despite their spiciness to humans. These native peppers thrive in partially shaded areas across Central and South Texas.
Birds aren’t affected by capsaicin and happily feast on the nutritious fruits all winter. Many Texas gardeners enjoy watching mockingbirds and thrashers visit these shrubs repeatedly during the coldest months of the year.