Native Plants for Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are amazing creatures. These tiny birds are native to the Americas and are known for their incredible flying abilities and metabolism. Hummingbirds are also unique in their relationship with flowers. That’s partly because, unlike most other birds, hummingbirds can fly backward, forward, and even upside down! This allows them to hover in front of flowers and drink nectar using their long beaks. In return for the nectar, hummingbirds help to pollinate flowers by transporting pollen from one flower to another.

The relationship between hummingbirds and flowers offers scientists a unique insight into how climate change affects their habitat. When the environment changes, it impacts these small birds directly. For example, climate change is causing flowers to bloom earlier, possibly creating a disconnect between the arrival of migrating hummingbirds and the availability of their food source.

If native plants disappear due to development or climate change, then hummingbirds may not be able to access the food and other resources they need.

People can help hummingbirds by planting native flowers in their gardens or by creating special hummingbird gardens. By providing a habitat for these wonderful creatures, we can help them to survive and thrive in a changing world.

By better understanding the intimate relationship between hummingbirds and flowers, we can gain valuable insights into how climate change is affecting our planet. These tiny birds offer us a window into the hidden impacts of climate change, and their decline serves as a warning sign for the health of our planet as a whole.

The best way to attract hummingbirds is to plant native flowers that are known to attract them. While cultivars (or altered versions) of native plants can be beautiful, they don't always produce nectar — which is essential for hummingbirds. So, if you're looking to attract these feathered friends to your garden, stick with the native species.

Some of the best hummingbird flowers include bee balm, columbine, bleeding heart, and trumpet creeper. By planting a variety of these flowers, you'll create a hummingbird haven that is sure to delight both you and the birds!

Hummingbirds are not only fun to watch but are crucial to the ecosystem. However, they are in danger and need our help! Hummingbirds play an important role in pollination l. Many flowers depend on hummingbirds for pollination; in return, the birds get a tasty meal of nectar.

This mutual dependence is threatened by issues including unsustainable agriculture, mining, and the illegal hummingbird trade. In addition, invasive plants crowd out native species that provide food for the birds. As a result of these threats, about 10% of hummingbird species across the globe are currently listed as either critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

By planting plants that are native to your area, you will provide a food source for hummingbirds and help preserve local biodiversity. Native plants also mean that you don’t have to use pesticides. Pesticides not only kill the insects that hummingbirds rely on for food but can also poison the birds themselves.

Educate yourself and others about the importance of these amazing creatures and what we can do to help them survive! The plight of hummingbirds should concern us all. These creatures play an important role in pollination , but they face many threats. We can help them by planting native plants and avoiding pesticides.

You can find more info about hummingbirds on the NWF Humming Along page!

So what are you waiting for? Bring a little magic into your life by creating a space hummingbirds will love. Browse our specially designed collections of native plants for hummingbirds, and you’ll create a beautiful and sustainable garden that will attract these remarkable creatures for years to come.