Perch Supply
Ohio · Perennial

Cardinal flower for birds in Ohio

Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil. Native to Ohio, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.

Scientific name
Lobelia cardinalis
Native status
Native in Ohio
Hardiness zones
USDA 5b–7a
What birds get from it
nectar
Ohio birds supported
3
Nesting birds among them
3

Growing conditions in Ohio

Humid continental; cold winters and warm summers, with Lake Erie moderating the north coast.

Warm, humid summers; western Lake Erie marshes are a major migration stopover.

Ohio birds that use Cardinal flower

Nesting season it supports in Ohio

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 Ohio

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Summer nectar and fall seed.

Trumpet honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens · Vine

Native red tubular flowers timed to hummingbird arrival.

Trumpet creeper
Campsis radicans · Vine

Large orange trumpets through midsummer.

Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early fruit.

Spicebush
Lindera benzoin · Shrub

High-fat fall berries.

Eastern red cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Tree

Winter cover and fruit.

Frequently asked

Is Cardinal flower native to Ohio?

Yes. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is recorded as native in Ohio. Ohio spans USDA 5b–7a.

What birds does Cardinal flower attract in Ohio?

In Ohio, Cardinal flower supports 3 backyard birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole.

Does Cardinal flower help nesting birds in Ohio?

3 of those birds nest in Ohio: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (May–August), Baltimore Oriole (May–July), Orchard Oriole (May–June).

Sources

  1. USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
  2. VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
  3. eBird region overview and bar charts — Ohio
  4. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
  5. 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.