Cardinal flower for birds in Iowa
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil. Native to Iowa, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Lobelia cardinalis
- Native status
- Native in Iowa
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–6a
- What birds get from it
- nectar
- Iowa birds supported
- 3
- Nesting birds among them
- 3
Growing conditions in Iowa
Humid continental prairie state, with loess hills in the west and the Driftless Area in the northeast.
Hot, humid summers with thunderstorms.
Iowa birds that use Cardinal flower
Summer breeders (3)
Nesting season it supports in Iowa
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Cardinal flower:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — May–August
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
Native plants to pair with Cardinal flower in Iowa
Native red tubular flowers timed to hummingbird arrival.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Frequently asked
Is Cardinal flower native to Iowa?
Yes. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is recorded as native in Iowa. Iowa spans USDA 4b–6a.
What birds does Cardinal flower attract in Iowa?
In Iowa, Cardinal flower supports 3 backyard birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole.
Does Cardinal flower help nesting birds in Iowa?
3 of those birds nest in Iowa: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (May–August), Baltimore Oriole (May–July), Orchard Oriole (May–June).
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Iowa
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.