Native shrubs are versatile workhorses that provide structure, seasonal interest, and critical wildlife habitat in spaces too small for trees. From compact groundcovers to tall screening plants, native shrubs offer diverse forms, flowers, fruits, and fall colors while supporting pollinators, nesting birds, and small mammals. Many species produce berries that feed migrating and overwintering birds, while their dense branching provides shelter and nesting sites. Native shrubs are naturally adapted to local conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pest management than non-native ornamentals. Use them for hedges, foundation plantings, rain gardens, or naturalized borders that deliver beauty and ecological function.