​Native shrubs are one of the most important sources of food for wildlife. Their small, yet abundant blossoms provide a nutritious feast that is essential to birds, bugs and pollinators. Native bumblebees especially love shrubs because they provide blooms for such an extended period of time.

Contributions to the food web are essential in a living landscape. In addition to shrubs providing nectar and pollen in spring, their berries and seeds are appreciated by foraging birds throughout the year. Native shrubs are also a valuable host plant to many species of Lepidoptera. Caterpillars in this larva stage are an essential source of food for birds, especially those feeding their young. Caterpillars are high in protein and their soft bodies are ideal for small, yet fast growing baby birds. Recent studies indicate that a young bird family can feed on as many as 300 caterpillars a day when raising their babies. 

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The value of shrubs as a structural element is often overlooked. Their hardy shape serves a number of purposes. They are excellent in creating layers in a garden. They serve as a transition zone from the lower layers to taller trees and in doing so, they provide a resting, nesting and foraging place for birds. Shrubs can also serve to direct air flow within a garden, bringing enjoyment of anyone using the space, from humans to wildlife. They are also ideal for creating privacy and for enhancing microclimates in a landscape 

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