[6 Plants That Attract Crows]
Want to befriend the smartest birds in the neighborhood? Turns out, it starts with your garden.
Let’s Get One Thing Straight—Crows Are Awesome
Look, if you’re here wondering what plants attract crows, I’m guessing you already know they’re not just your average squawky black bird. These guys are feathered geniuses. They recognize faces, hold grudges (yep, petty kings), and they’ve even been caught on camera using tools. Tools, people.
But here's the kicker—if you treat them well, they just might start treating you well too. Like... bringing shiny stuff. No kidding. Wanna get on their VIP list? Let’s talk plants.
1. Sunflowers – The Crow Buffet That Keeps on Giving
Ever grown sunflowers? If yes, you already know the chaos they bring. If not, buckle up. These sunny giants are literal bird magnets, and crows are obsessed with them.
Why Crows Love ‘Em:
- Big, juicy seeds. Crows will go full snack-mode when the seeds mature.
- Tall plants = perfect perch. These stalks make excellent lookouts.
- Easy access. No thorns, no fuss—just grab and go.
Pro Tip: Grow sunflowers in rows or clusters to create a mini crow café. Trust me, once one crow finds it, the squad will show up.
Quick FYI: Don’t be surprised if squirrels and finches crash the party too. It’s a wildlife free-for-all.
2. Corn – Basically a Crow Banquet in Plant Form
Ah yes, corn. The classic. If you ever wanted to host an open-air buffet for crows, corn is your go-to crop.
Why Crows Are All Over It:
- Corn kernels are high-calorie and tasty (ask any bird).
- Tall stalks double as lookout towers.
- Easy to rip open. Crows are strong-beaked pros.
If you’ve ever walked into a cornfield and heard a bunch of rustling above you—yeah, that wasn’t the wind. That was probably a crow plotting its next heist.
My Take? I tried planting a few rows of corn once. The crows got to them before I even thought about harvesting. Zero regrets, though—they were entertaining as hell to watch.
3. Oak Trees – Not a Plant, but a Crow-Favorite Hangout
Okay okay, so it’s a tree, not a plant—but hear me out. Oak trees are like crow HQ.
Here’s Why:
- Acorns! Crows love munching on them—especially in the fall.
- Dense branches make for great nests.
- Height = advantage. The higher, the better for spotting threats (or lunch).
Crows are strategic little rascals. They’ll pick the best vantage points to oversee their kingdom—and an oak tree is the perfect throne.
Bonus: If you already have one in your yard, congrats—you’ve got the prime real estate for corvids.
4. Pumpkin and Squash Plants – Hidden Gems for Crows
So this one surprised me too. Crows apparently have a thing for pumpkin seeds and the fleshy goodness inside.
The Perks:
- Pumpkin guts = tasty treat for smart birds.
- Wide leaves offer hiding spots for sneaky snacks.
- Seeds are accessible once fruit cracks (or if crows crack them open themselves).
Ever seen a crow ripping open a half-rotted pumpkin? It’s chaotic. And low-key impressive. They’re that determined.
Heads-up: If you leave your Halloween pumpkins out too long, don’t be shocked if they get turned into a murder (yep, that’s the name for a group of crows) snack bar.
5. Mulberry Bushes – Dessert for the Feathered Elite
Let me tell you—crows go bananas for berries. (Okay, not actual bananas. But berries? 100%.)
Mulberry bushes are the unsung heroes of the bird-attracting world.
What’s the Appeal?
- Juicy, abundant berries that ripen over weeks = consistent food supply.
- Low-hanging branches make them easy pickings.
- Not too messy for your yard—unless the crows get wild. Which they will.
Real Talk: I had one mulberry bush once. I barely got a taste because the crows and mockingbirds made it their personal dessert cart. I didn’t mind, though. Watching crows pick berries one by one like they’re at a wine tasting? Iconic.
6. Peanuts in the Shell – Not a Plant, But a Guaranteed Crow Magnet
Alright, this one’s cheating a little—but it’s too good not to mention.
Peanuts in the shell might not grow on trees in your yard (unless you're living in Georgia or something), but planting peanut plants? Totally doable if you’re in a warm zone.
Why Peanuts Work:
- Crows love cracking the shells open. They actually seem to enjoy the challenge.
- It builds trust—leave a few out daily, and you’ll have regular visitors.
- Crows remember the gesture. And they might bring gifts. No joke.
IMO: Peanuts are the gateway snack. Once they know you're the peanut guy/gal, they’ll start hanging around more. One time, I swear a crow left a shiny button near my porch after a few weeks of peanut drops. Coincidence? Maybe. But I choose to believe.
So, What Makes a Plant “Crow-Friendly”?
Let’s sum it up with a mini checklist. If a plant has these features, odds are the local crows will dig it:
- Edible seeds, berries, or soft fruits
- Accessible structure (no painful thorns or tight pods)
- Perching or nesting potential (tall stalks, branches)
- Seasonal food variety (flowers now, seeds later)
If your backyard turns into a crow haven, congrats. You’re officially part of the cool bird club.
A Few Quick Tips to Keep Your Crow Friends Coming Back
Wanna keep the relationship going long-term? Here’s how:
- Avoid pesticides—they’re dangerous to birds and can mess with your whole ecosystem.
- Offer clean water—a birdbath or shallow bowl works.
- Give space—don’t rush out every time they visit. Crows are smart, but also kinda suspicious.
- Rotate food sources—mix in nuts, seeds, fruit scraps.
Oh, and one more thing: don’t trap them or try to keep them as pets. They're wild for a reason—and that’s what makes them awesome.
Final Thoughts – Want to Befriend a Crow? Grow the Good Stuff.
Let’s be honest—you’re not planting these crops just for the crows, right? (Okay, maybe you are. No judgment.) Either way, by filling your yard with these crow-attracting plants, you're building something more than a garden.
You’re starting a little ecosystem—a tiny crow utopia where brains meet beaks and shiny gifts might land on your welcome mat.
So go plant that sunflower patch. Toss out a peanut or two. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll look up and see a crow giving you that curious side-eye before dropping a soda tab on your doorstep.
Not weird. Not creepy.
Just… crow things. 😏
P.S. If you’ve got a crow story—or a shiny gift you swear was from one—drop it in the comments. I need to know I’m not the only one out here making bird friends like it’s a Disney movie. 🐦✨
