“Being a crone did not stop her enjoying the sight and smell of May in the hedgerows, though the sight was a little blurred.”

―Diana Wynne Jones,Howl's Moving Castle

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Hedgerows are ancient living structures that are fascinating and biodiverse reflections of nature.

But they are more than just boundaries or hedges; they are dynamic and alive, and embody the tenets of regenerative land management.

They kind of remind me of collages - an assemblage of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants - all laid out and intermixed as though they were on mother nature’s vision board.

The diversity of plant life helps bridge habitat and provide sustenance and shelter for a range of wildlife.

While digging into hedgerow research, I stumbled upon a delightful realization: my own property has a natural hedgerow! This wild collection of native species, including shrubs and herbaceous ground covers, demonstrates that whether intentionally or serendipitously sown, these unique ecosystems maintain a design and purpose that is indispensable to our environment.

As I wander through the swooping branches of spruces and delight in trillium sightings, I find sanctuary. Not just for myself but also for my goats and a host of wildlife. It's a complex ecosystem that offers privacy and peace, standing resiliently against the noise of the outer world.

I've had the unique opportunity to observe and experience the ecological benefits of a naturally established hedgerow right on my own property. Through years of firsthand interactions and observations, I've gained an appreciation for the vital role these diverse ecosystems play in supporting wildlife, sequestering carbon, and enhancing the overall health of the land.

→ Fun fact: We’ve been planting hedgerows since at least the Bronze Age, where they were an integral part of farmland (PTES).  Some of those hedgerows from the bronze age still exist (RSPB)!

The Ecological Importance of Hedgerows

Animal Biodiversity Oasis

In my natural hedgerow, I've been delighted to observe so much life.

A couple of years ago, I heard a rustling bit of commotion going on from this area of my yard. I wasn’t sure what was going on, so I took a walk through to see - and two young fawns were playing under the protection of the tree cover!

Sometimes the commotion I hear is in the air - red and gray squirrels running around tree trunks and jumping from branch to branch.

Upon reflection, I’ve observed a range of bird species in this zone, from nuthatches to woodpeckers, chickadees to crows, blue jays and thrushes.

One of the most stunning moments of bird watching happened when I saw a bald eagle land on the top of a Douglas fir in this natural hedge - it was majestic, to say the least.

From late summer to early autumn, I have to be extra cautious when walking through this area - spiders weave their webs into complex shapes in the hedgerow during this time. In the spring, I’m always happy to see little ant holes in the ground - they have a reciprocal relationship with the seeds of the trillium that graces the understory.

And in the height of summer, I’ll sit on the lawn just outside this area and watch as Swallowtail butterflies sip nectar from the blooms of the blackberries.

Microclimate regulation

Even during the dry heat of summer, the ground beneath offers a sanctuary of coolness. This is thanks to the shade of native flora and the layers of organic matter that act as a natural mulch.

During the hottest days, when the sun is blaring down on the lawn just outside of the hedgerow, it’s noticeably more comfortable in the shade provided by the tree cover. I sometimes sit on the ground under a spruce tree and enjoy the cool reprieve of the sheltered soil.

Soil moisture levels also remain higher here, with the organic matter and root systems helping to retain water. This microclimate regulation enhances the overall soil health and productivity within this area - and I never have to water it!

Grows fodder for livestock:

Many of the plants grown in a hedgerow are food sources for livestock. This helps farms and homesteads to be more self-sufficient with their feed sourcing.

While I don’t practice coppicing the trees in this area to give to my goats, they will graze through this area on occasion - enjoying the willow leaves and Doug fir branches, and any herbaceous plant that strikes their fancy.

The shelter of this area also lets the goats be protected from heat, rain, and snow, yet still graze outside.

Improves soil:

The perennial nature of hedgerows helps to build soil health in the area. I can really see this when I brush back some of the organic debris on the ground and find a whole network of mycorrhizae, connecting the plants together and boosting their health. I’ve actually sampled some soil from this area to be an inoculant for some JADAM inputs, because it’s so rich, fertile, and loamy.

Other benefits of these diverse ecosystems include:

• Supports farmland and gardens:
  Since hedgerows are a habitat for pollinators, this helps to improve yields for local farms and gardens. There’s also an increase in beneficial insects and mammals to help with pest control, too.
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• Acts as a windbreak:
  A hedgerow can reduce wind impact, which is helpful for habitat creation, gardens, and farms.
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• Reduces flooding:
  The plants in a hedgerow can help draw in excess water and prevent flooding in the landscape.
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• Filters water pollution:
  Hedgerows can act as filtration systems and prevent pollution from traveling throughout the ecosystem.
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• Provides resources for humans:
  Humans have been creating and benefiting from hedgerows for millennia. Many plants provide food, coppiced timber, and craft materials. I especially love snacking on the berries that the hedgerow provides, and make tea from the rose hips. The hedge also helps create a noise screen and offers more privacy to the property.
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• Carbon sequestration:
  Hedgerows, full of perennials, are known to support carbon draw-down into the soil.
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• Climate change resilience:
  Hedgerows can thrive even during times of extreme weather, and provide temperature regulation for the landscape.

Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, Front. in Cons. Sci, WSU, PSU

Plants for Hedgerows: Top Picks

When you select your hedge plants, think of filling in all of the layers of a forest. Tall trees as anchor points, tall bushes to bridge the space beween the shrubs and vines, and then an herbaceous layer as ground cover.

My yard's hedgerow has taught me the importance of choosing plants that naturally support and enhance each other. Majestic spruces and firs tower as a canopy, while serviceberry and oso plum fill in the niche just below them. Blackberry weaves between them and the roses, and then on the surface is a spread of green leavy ground cover.

They not only thrive with minimal intervention but also lay the foundations for a robust and resilient ecosystem.

Here's a curated list of top plant choices, ideal for crafting hedgerow ecosystems across the United States:

Trees:

• Oak (Quercus spp.):
  A robust tree that supports a multitude of wildlife species. Plant species native to your area (Gwenyn Gruffydd).
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• Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.):
  Offers flowers for pollinators and fruits for birds. We have a baby hawthorn plant in our hedgerow zone that I’m cheering on as it grows, slowly but surely. Plant species native to your area (HIWWT).
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• Willow (Salix spp):
  Especially fantastic for wet zones, willow provides pollen early in the year and can also be coppiced for basketry. This plant is a favorite hedgerow snack for my goats! Plant species native to your area (OSU).
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• Serviceberry:
  A gorgeous plant throughout the year: it seems to attract lichen in my yard so it stands out in the landscape with a beautiful seafoam green color. In the autumn, the leaves put on a display of yellow to deep red. As a bonus, the berries are delicious and edible (OSU).

Shrubs:

• Hazel (Corylus americana):
  Provides nuts for humans and wildlife (USFWS). The squirrels seem to know the exact moment that the hazels turn ripe!
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• Dogwood (Cornus spp.):
  Stands out with vibrant spring flowers and winter stems (USFWS).
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• Currants and gooseberries:
  Beautiful flowers in the spring, delicious berries in the summer. Plant species native to your area (OSU).
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• Snowberry:
  A larval host for the Snowberry clearwing moth, and provides food for birds through the depths of winter. This plant is abundant in my yard, and as it forms networks on hillsides, it seems to prevent erosion.
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• Oso Plum:
  Gorgeous, delicate flowers adorn this shrub, with very small, but very tasty plums (OSU). They’re a treat to find in the summer!

Herbaceous Plants:

• Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium):
  A great pollinator attractant that also plays a role in herbalism. Plant species native to your area (USFWS).
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• Coneflower (Echinacea):
  A nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other insects. Plant species native to your area (OSU).
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• Rudbeckia:
  A beautiful annual that will self-sow, is drought tolerant and a magnet for pollinators. Plant species native to your area (USFWS).
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• Aster:
  One of the more beneficial plants for pollinators and butterflies, there are many native varieties so be sure to find which one is indigenous to your area. Plant species native to your area (Wild Seed Project).
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• Bee Balm:
  A gorgeous pollinator attractant that also is well known for its applications in herbalism (USFWS).
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• Wild Strawberry:
  Provides next-level sweetness, if you can harvest them before other critters do (Wild Seed Project).

Climbers:

• Raspberry + Blackberry:
  Be sure to select native varieties, which will not become invasive (Seaford Environmental Alliance).
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• Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum):
  ‍Provides fragrant flowers for moths and berries for birds. Avoid non-native honeysuckles, as they can be invasive (USFWS, NYIS).
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• Wild Grape (Vitis spp.):
  ‍If native to your area, this is a beautiful edible plant to add in (Along the Grapevine).

Things to think about:

• Native or Non-Native?
  ‍ It’s always a good choice to plant native species, but if a non-native species is not listed as an invasive plant and it offers something to the landscape, it should be okay to plant (OSU).
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• Toxicity:
  Be certain you understand which species in your hedge are edible.  Some plants are not toxic to humans, but may be toxic to any pets or livestock that you have.
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• Seasonal Support: Be sure that your hedge provides a food source throughout as much of the year as possible for local wildlife, and that you have a variety of bloom times for spring and summer plants (AHS).
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• Resources: Check in with local farms and tree surgeons to see if you can source manure, spent animal bedding, and wood chips to help build the foundation of your hedgerow for minimal cost.

How to Grow a Hedgerow: Some Tips

Site Assessment and Plan

During my observations of my own yard’s wild hedgerow, I noted how different species cohabitated and supported each other, revealing nature’s own site assessment. This wisdom can guide our choices, ensuring our hedgerows are both beautiful and beneficial to the local ecosystem.

• Research local and beneficial wildlife that you wish to attract with your hedgerow. Make a list of food and shelter resources for them (PSU).
• Plan for species succession to maintain a continuous hedgerow lifecycle. For example, willows provide one of the first sources of nectar in late winter, and rose hips provide food for overwintering birds.
• Don’t forget to plan for the mature sizes of trees and shrubs, and make sure they have ample room in your plan (PSU).
• Plan for 5 feet or more in width for best results (PSU).

Ecological Strategies:

Emulating the laissez-faire strategy that nature employed to craft my backyard hedgerow, I recommend a focus on native plantings that are more self-sufficient. This approach has allowed this area to flourish into a self-regulating sanctuary for wildlife.

• Favor native plant varieties
• Double check that you aren’t planting any invasive species (OSU).

Monitor Ecosystem Health:

My daily walks are informal check-ins on the hedgerow's health, a practice that could be adopted by any hedgerow steward. Observing the comings and goings of creatures and the subtle shifts in plant health helps me understand the state of the hedgerow’s wellbeing.

• Check for pest pressure and disease so that you can manage it as early as possible with organic practices.
• Watch out for invasive species and remove them as soon as they appear in the landscape.

Be Patient:

• While you’ll start to see the benefit from your hedgerow within your first year of planting, many trees will take several years to produce a yield for you or other animals (OSU).

Carbon Sequestration by Hedgerows: A Multi-layered Benefit

While this guide highlights the multitude of ecological benefits hedgerows provide, there is one aspect so crucial it deserves its own spotlight: carbon sequestration.

Hedgerows are not merely borders but are essential in the fight against climate change, drawing down carbon from the atmosphere into their leaves, wood, and soil. Preliminary studies indicate their potential to significantly impact carbon levels in the soil, suggesting a promising avenue for environmental sustainability.

For a deeper dive into the science, statistics, and strategies behind how hedgerows can contribute to carbon sequestration and climate resilience, stay tuned for a detailed follow-up article that will explore these topics thoroughly.

How Hedgerows can support other sustainable farming practices

Hedgerows are intrinsically linked with sustainable farming methods. Whether it's enhancing regenerative organic farming by providing habitats for beneficial insects or supporting permaculture and agroforestry, hedgerows are indispensable assets for eco-conscious farmers.

From creating microclimates to offering shelter for livestock, the stories of hedgerows in sustainable practices are as varied as they are inspiring. For those interested in how hedgerows can revolutionize farming and contribute to a more resilient agricultural landscape, we have prepared an in-depth exploration of this topic.

Read more: Hedgerows: The Keystone of Sustainable Farming Practices

Notable Plant Sources

The Largest Selection of Certified Organic Tree Crops in North America and Working for Justice. | Planting Justice

Hedgerow Resource Directory, by State

Many thanks to Sean of Edible Acres + the community-resourced list of permaculture nurseries, as a few of the plant sources are from that page.

Click on the first letter of your state:
A | C | D | F | G | H | I | | K | L | M | N| O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W | Canada

Alabama

Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Visit the directory

Recreative Natives

Alaska

Alaska Cooperative Extension Service: University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service

Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources Directory of Native Plnt Sources

Arizona

Arizona Cooperative Extension: University of Arizona Extension.

Plant List | EcoRestore

Arkansas

Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

Arkansas Native Plant Socety Plant Source List

California

California Cooperative Extension: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Natives for a Hedge Row

Drought tolerant hedges, wind breaks, and screens with California native plants.

Looking for California native privacy hedge

Full Plant List

The Largest Selection of Certified Organic Tree Crops in North America and Working for Justice. | Planting Justice

Colorado

Colorado State University Extension: CSU Extension.

Wild Ones Front Range Chapter's List of Colorado Plant + Seed Sources

Connecticut

Connecticut Cooperative Extension System: UConn Extension.

Shop — Nuts & Bolts Nursery Co-Op

Delaware

Delaware Cooperative Extension: University of Delaware Cooperative Extension.

Florida

University of Florida/IFAS Extension: UF/IFAS Extension.

Georgia

University of Georgia Extension: UGA Extension.

Native Plants for Georgia Part I: Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines

Hawaii

University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service: UH Manoa Cooperative Extension.

Hui Ky Maoli Ola

Idaho

University of Idaho Extension: UI Extension.

North End Organics

Illinois

University of Illinois Extension: U of I Extension.

Interwoven Permaculture Farm

Indiana

Purdue Extension - Indiana: Purdue Extension.

INPS Directory

Iowa

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: ISU Extension and Outreach.

Kansas

K-State Research and Extension - Kansas: K-State Extension.

Vinland Valley Nursery Organic Plants

Kentucky

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service: UKY Extension.

Dropseed

Our Land Organics

Louisiana

LSU AgCenter - Louisiana: LSU AgCenter Extension.

Maine

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: UMaine Extension.

Wild Seed Project

Maryland

University of Maryland Extension: UMD Extension.

Wild Spirit

Massachusetts

UMass Extension - Massachusetts: UMass Extension.

Shop — Nuts & Bolts Nursery Co-Op

Humble Abode Nursery Shop

Michigan

Michigan State University Extension: MSU Extension.

Wildtype

Minnesota

University of Minnesota Extension: UMN Extension.

Minnesota Dept. Natural Resources List

Mississippi

Mississippi State University Extension Service: MSU Extension.

Native Shrubs for Mississippi Landscapes

Missouri

University of Missouri Extension: MU Extension.

Montana

Montana State University Extension: MSU Extension.

Wildwood Nursery

Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: UNL Extension.

Nevada

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: UNCE.

Carson City Greenhouse

New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: UNH Extension.

Humble Abode Nursery Shop

New Jersey

Rutgers Cooperative Extension - New Jersey: Rutgers Extension.

Wild Ridge

Good Earth

Summersweet

New Mexico

New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service: NMSU Extension.

New York

Cornell Cooperative Extension - New York: CCE.

Permaculture Food Forest Nursery Plants — Edible Acres

North Carolina

North Carolina Cooperative Extension: NC State Extension.

Feralwood Nursery — ARDEA LAND PROJECT

North Dakota

North Dakota State University Extension Service: NDSU Extension.

Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Plants | NC State Extension Publications

Ohio

Ohio State University Extension: OSU Extension.

Our Land Organics

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: OCES.

Oregon

Oregon State University Extension Service: OSU Extension

A Guide to Hedgerows: Plantings That Enhance Biodiversity, Sustainability and Functionality

WSU PNW Plants

Invasive Trees & Shrubs / Bushes in the Pacific Northwest

SymbiOp Garden Shop

Pennsylvania

Penn State Extension - Pennsylvania: Penn State Extension.

Foggy Blossom Farm

Shop — Future Forest Plants

Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension: URI Extension.

Shop — Nuts & Bolts Nursery Co-Op

Humble Abode Nursery Shop

South Carolina

Clemson Cooperative Extension - South Carolina: Clemson Extension.

Feralwood Nursery — ARDEA LAND PROJECT

South Dakota

South Dakota State University Extension: SDSU Extension.

Tennessee

University of Tennessee Extension: UT Extension.

Hidden Springs Nursery

Texas

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: AgriLife Extension.

Utah

Utah State University Extension: USU Extension.

Vermont

University of Vermont Extension: UVM Extension.

perfect circle farm

Virginia

Virginia Cooperative Extension: VCE.

Nursery — Silver Run Forest Farm

Washington

Washington State University Extension: WSU Extension.

WSU PNW Plants

Invasive Trees & Shrubs / Bushes in the Pacific Northwest

WildSproutNursery - Etsy

Native Plant Salvage Foundation

West Virginia

West Virginia University Extension Service: WVU Extension.

Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension: UW-Extension.

Wyoming

University of Wyoming Extension: UW Extension.

Canada Resources

blackbird hollow

Canadian Permaculture Legacy

Vegetable, Flower, Herb, and Tree Seeds - The Incredible Seed Company

Seeds for the vegetable garden and local and ecological flowers

Northern Food Forest

Conclusion

Hedgerows are integral to a vision of an agriculture that works with, rather than against, nature.

They encapsulate the essence of a regenerative landscape with their ecological functions and aesthetic values.

The careful selection of plant species can create hedgerows that not only sustain themselves, but also support the greater ecosystem year after year.

My accidental hedgerow, a serendipitous gift from nature, has taught me much about the harmony between human intent and the organic artistry of the wild. As we sculpt our landscapes, let us not forget the lessons offered by these natural assemblies, where the land itself dictates the delicate balance of life.

My unexpected hedgerow has become both a refuge and a classroom. It stands as a reminder that when we design our own hedgerows, we can look to these natural models for inspiration, ensuring that our efforts align with the intricate web of life that hedgerows are meant to support.

It is through these natural networks that we can craft a landscape that is resilient, productive, and in harmony with the planet's ecological balance.

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