Cardinal flower for birds in New Jersey
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil. Native to New Jersey, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Lobelia cardinalis
- Native status
- Native in New Jersey
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–7b
- What birds get from it
- nectar
- New Jersey birds supported
- 3
- Nesting birds among them
- 3
Growing conditions in New Jersey
Humid continental to subtropical, from the Highlands in the north to the Pine Barrens and Cape May.
Hot, humid summers; Cape May is a world-class migration funnel.
New Jersey birds that use Cardinal flower
Summer breeders (3)
Nesting season it supports in New Jersey
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 New Jersey
Native red tubular flowers timed to hummingbird arrival.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Frequently asked
Is Cardinal flower native to New Jersey?
Yes. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is recorded as native in New Jersey. New Jersey spans USDA 6a–7b.
What birds does Cardinal flower attract in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, Cardinal flower supports 3 backyard birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole.
Does Cardinal flower help nesting birds in New Jersey?
3 of those birds nest in New Jersey: 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 — New Jersey
- 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.