Have you ever seen a plant that looked like a bird? If not, you’re in for a treat! Beautiful plants that resemble birds can give your house or yard a touch of the extraordinary. Here are 10 plants that look like birds. Some of these plants are so realistic, you might do a double-take!
- Pelican Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)
- Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
- Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii)
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)
- Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis)
- Swan Plant (Gomphocarpus fruticosus)
- Desert Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)
- Yellow Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
- White Egret Orchid (Habenaria Radiata)
As you can see, there are many plants that resemble birds! Some of these plants are quite rare, so if you ever have the chance to see one in person, be sure to take it!
See a similar post: Plants That Look Like Cattails
1. Pelican Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)
The Pelican Flower is a striking plant that is native to the island of Sumatra. Growing up to 10 feet tall, this plant gets its name from its resemblance to a pelican’s beak. The Pelican Flower blooms for only about 48 hours, and during that time, it emits a strong odor that has been likened to rotting flesh.
This scent attracts flies, which help to pollinate the plant. Unfortunately, the Pelican Flower is now endangered due to habitat loss. As development projects encroached on its native habitats, the Pelican Flower has become increasingly rare.
2. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae
The Bird of Paradise is a strikingly beautiful plant that is native to South Africa. Its name comes from its resemblance to a bird in flight, and it is also the national flower of Zimbabwe.
The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and blooms year-round. The Bird of Paradise is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its beauty and endurance.
3. Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii)
The Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii) is a plant native to the Canary Islands that gets its name from its resemblance to a parrot’s beak. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and blooms year-round.
The Parrot’s Beak is also known as the Love-in-a-Mist. The Parrot’s Beak is not only a beautiful plant, but it is also a versatile one.
It can be used as an accent plant in any garden, or it can be grown in a pot and used as a houseplant. The Parrot’s Beak is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much water or fertilizer.
4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
The Cardinal Flower is a plant that is native to North America. This plant gets its name from its resemblance to a cardinal’s head plumage. The Cardinal Flower can grow up to 3 feet tall and blooms from July to September.
The Cardinal Flower is also the state flower of Illinois. This plant is a very beautiful plant and it is very easy to see how it got its name. The Cardinals head plumage is very distinctive and this plant captures that look very well.
5. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)
The Hummingbird Sage is native to California and gets its name from its resemblance to a hummingbird in flight. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and blooms from May to October.
The flowers are a deep red color and are borne on spikes up to 8 inches long. The Hummingbird Sage attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
This plant is an excellent choice for a butterfly garden or a hummingbird garden. It is also a good choice for a drought-tolerant garden. The Hummingbird Sage prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It is not particular about soil type but needs good drainage. This plant is deer resistant and rabbit resistant.
6. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis)
The Moth Orchid is native to Southeast Asia and gets its name from its resemblance to a moth in flight. This plant can grow up 24 inches tall and blooms year-round with proper care.
The Moth Orchid is also known as the Ribbon Orchid or Pleasure Orchid. The Moth Orchid is found in humid forests and requires bright, but indirect sunlight.
It is important to never allow the soil to dry out completely, as this will cause the leaves toyellow and drop off. Too much water can also be harmful, as it can lead to root rot. When watering, be sure to use tepid water and allow the excess water to drain away. fertilize monthly using a balanced fertilizer diluted by half.
7. Swan Plant (Gomphocarpus fruticosus)
The Swan Plant is a tall, slender plant that blooms from June to August. The plant gets its name from its resemblances to both a swan’s neck and an owl’s head plumage. The Swan Plant is also known as the Balloon Milkweed or Nipplefruit because of the shape of its seed pods, which resemble human nipples.
The Swan Plant is native to southern Africa and can grow up to 9 feet tall. The plant’s roots are long and thick,anchoring it firmly in the ground. The leaves are large and oval-shaped, with a smooth, glossy texture.
The flowers are white or pale pink, with delicate petals that curlbackwards. The seed pods are round and fleshy, filled with small, black seeds. When the pods burst open, the seeds are dispersed by the wind.
8. Desert Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)
The Desert Bird of Paradise is a plant that is native to South America but can also be found in desert climates all over the world. The plant gets its name from its unique appearance; the bright red and orange flowers look like tiny birds perched on the end of each branch.
The Desert Bird of Paradise is a drought-tolerant plant that can grow up to six feet tall. The plant does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Although it is not a true cactus, the Desert Bird of Paradise does have spines on its leaves and stems which help to protect it from predators. Birds, bees, and butterflies are attracted to the plant’s flowers, making it a great addition to any garden.
9. Yellow Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
The plant that you are referring to is called the Yellow Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). This plant get its name from its unique shape which resembles a shepherd’s purse. The Yellow Shepherd’s Purse is a member of the mustard family and is native to Europe.
This plant is considered a weed in many parts of the world, but it is also used as a food crop in some areas. The Yellow Shepherd’s Purpose is high in vitamins A and C, and it is often used in salads or as a garnish.
The plant can also be cooked and used as a vegetable, or the seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. In addition to its culinary uses, the Yellow Shepherd’s Purse has also been used medicinally to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, and toothaches.
10. White Egret Orchid (Habenaria Radiata)
The White Egret Orchid is a beautiful plant that resembles a bird in flight. The plant gets its name from its white flowers, which have long, thin petals that curve upwards. The flowers are borne on a tall stalk, and the entire plant can reach up to two feet in height.
The White Egret Orchid is native to Asia, and it is commonly found in woods or grasslands. The plant is pollinated by bees, and it blooms from summer to fall.
Final Thoughts on plants that look like birds
There’s something uniquely beautiful about plants that resemble birds. Perhaps it’s the delicate way they seem to float in the air, or the way their leaves flutter in the breeze. Whatever the reason, these plants always catch the eye and add a touch of whimsy to any garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flowers look like birds?
Though you may not think it at first, there are actually quite a few flowers that look strikingly similar to birds. One of the most popular examples is the bird of paradise, which features a long, curved beak and vibrant plumage. The flower is native to South Africa and gets its name from its similarity to the real bird.
Another well-known example is the hibiscus, which sports a trumpet-shaped bloom that resembles a hummingbird in flight. Similarly, the lotus flower has large petals that resemble the wings of a dove.
Though they may not share any DNA with their avian counterparts, these flowers are definitely worthy of a second look.
What orchid looks like a bird?
The orchid that looks like a bird is the Osmanthus fragrans, also known as the sweet osmanthus. It is a member of the Oleaceae family, which includes olive trees, jasmine, and forsythia. The sweet osmanthus is native to Asia and typically blooms in the fall.
The flowers are small and white, but they are incredibly fragrant, with a sweet, apricot-like scent. The flowers grow in clusters and are often used in teas, jams, and perfumes. The sweet osmanthus is also a popular ornamental plant, prized for its beauty and fragrance.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
