Perennial · Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower for backyard birds

Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil.

Scientific name
Lobelia cardinalis
Plant type
Perennial
What birds get from it
nectar
Native in
33 US states, 1 Canadian provinces/territories
Bird species supported
13

Birds most often fed by Cardinal flower

Counted across every state and province where Cardinal flower is native and the bird is present:

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird — 28 regions
  • Orchard Oriole — 28 regions
  • Baltimore Oriole — 22 regions
  • Bullock's Oriole — 10 regions
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird — 8 regions
  • Rufous Hummingbird — 6 regions
  • Broad-tailed Hummingbird — 6 regions
  • Verdin — 6 regions
  • White-winged Dove — 6 regions
  • Anna's Hummingbird — 5 regions
  • Costa's Hummingbird — 5 regions
  • Hooded Oriole — 5 regions

Cardinal flower by state and province