Sap from Native Trees
One of the earliest and most vital energy sources in late winter comes from tree sap. Sap begins to flow when daytime temperatures rise while still dipping below freezing at night. Species like sugar maples and paper birches are particularly important because their sap is rich in sugars that provide a critical energy boost to help wildlife endure the final stretch of winter. Some bird species like the yellow-bellied sapsucker, as well as various mammals, will eat sap when few other resources are available. There are even some species of butterflies, like Commas and Mourning Cloaks, that appear before most plants begin to flower, and they rely on the sap from trees for nourishment.
Leaf and Flower Buds
Native trees and shrubs provide vital nourishment through their leaf and flower buds, particularly when other food sources are scarce. Buds from trees like basswood (Tilia americana) and maples (Acer spp.) serve as an important early food source for deer, small mammals and birds. The catkins (thin, hanging flower cluster) of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and pussy willows (Salix discolor) that begin forming in early spring are also a tempting treat for a variety of wildlife during this critical period.
Leftover Fruit and Seeds
In addition to buds, many native plants retain berries and fruits throughout the winter, which become crucial food sources once other supplies dwindle. Highbush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) retains clusters of red drupes (berry-like fruits with a hard inner seed) throughout the winter, offering a key food source for birds like robins during the late winter months. Sumacs like staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) produces fuzzy red fruits that offer high-energy food for both overwintering birds and those returning early in the season. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) provides blueish cones (often referred to as berries), which serve as an essential winter food source for birds, particularly cedar waxwings.
Another important food source during the late winter is the seeds that have overwintered on trees and shrubs. White pine (Pinus strobus) trees store seeds in their cones, which are vital for feeding species like crossbills, chickadees and squirrels when food is scarce. Red oaks (Quercus rubra) provide acorns that are cached by wildlife in the fall and become accessible again once the snow melts. Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) produces small nutlets stored in clusters, offering a late-season food source for birds and small mammals when other options are in short supply.
Overwintering Insects
Many native trees and shrubs provide shelter for overwintering insects, which in turn become an essential food source for various bird species. The shaggy bark of native trees, such as the Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), make good hiding places for insects, but are sometimes found and consumed by woodpeckers and nuthatches during the winter months. Additionally, the galls (round plant growth that surrounds an insect) found on goldenrods (Solidago spp) become a crucial winter food source for birds like chickadees and woodpeckers, helping them survive the leaner months before more plentiful food becomes available.
Nectar and Pollen from Early-Blooming Shrubs
As spring approaches, some early-blooming native trees and shrubs begin to offer vital nectar to pollinators. Pussy willow (Salix discolor), serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) and red maple (Acer rubrum) are examples of shrubs whose early flowers provide both nectar and pollen for bee queens emerging from hibernation and other insects like butterflies, wasps and flies. These early blooms help sustain pollinators as they begin their work of foraging and ensuring the continued health and growth of native plants throughout the coming seasons.
Native trees and shrubs are indispensable to wildlife, providing nourishment during critical periods when resources are limited. By planting more native trees and shrubs in our yards and communities, you can help boost #BackyardBiodiversity and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.
Consider applying to the Backyard Tree Planting Program today to plant native trees or shrubs in your own yard. By doing so, you'll be playing an important role in supporting wildlife and enhancing biodiversity in your neighbourhood!
Justin Lewis is the Marketing and Communications Lead at LEAF.
The #BackyardBiodiversity campaign is a partnership initiative with the Toronto Wildlife Centre and is supported by Ontario Power Generation.
LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the Township of Brock, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby and Ontario Power Generation.