Perch Supply
Oklahoma · Perennial

Cardinal flower for birds in Oklahoma

Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil. Native to Oklahoma, where it feeds or shelters 5 backyard bird species.

Scientific name
Lobelia cardinalis
Native status
Native in Oklahoma
Hardiness zones
USDA 6a–8a
What birds get from it
nectar
Oklahoma birds supported
5
Nesting birds among them
5

Growing conditions in Oklahoma

Humid in the forested east, semi-arid in the western plains and Panhandle.

Hot summers with strong winds; water is especially valuable in the west.

Oklahoma birds that use Cardinal flower

Nesting season it supports in Oklahoma

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
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird — April–July
  • Bullock's Oriole — May–July

Native plants to pair with Cardinal flower in Oklahoma

Trumpet honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens · Vine

Native red tubular flowers timed to hummingbird arrival.

Trumpet creeper
Campsis radicans · Vine

Large orange trumpets through midsummer.

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Coral bean
Erythrina herbacea · Shrub

Red tubular spring flowers for early hummingbirds.

Red buckeye
Aesculus pavia · Shrub

Blooms right as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds return.

Golden currant
Ribes aureum · Shrub

Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.

Frequently asked

Is Cardinal flower native to Oklahoma?

Yes. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is recorded as native in Oklahoma. Oklahoma spans USDA 6a–8a.

What birds does Cardinal flower attract in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, Cardinal flower supports 5 backyard birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Bullock's Oriole.

Does Cardinal flower help nesting birds in Oklahoma?

5 of those birds nest in Oklahoma: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (May–August), Baltimore Oriole (May–July), Orchard Oriole (May–June), Black-chinned Hummingbird (April–July).

Sources

  1. USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
  2. VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
  3. eBird region overview and bar charts — Oklahoma
  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.