Cardinal flower for birds in West Virginia
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil. Native to West Virginia, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Lobelia cardinalis
- Native status
- Native in West Virginia
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7a
- What birds get from it
- nectar
- West Virginia birds supported
- 3
- Nesting birds among them
- 3
Growing conditions in West Virginia
Humid continental Appalachian state with high ridges and deep river valleys.
Warm, humid summers; high ridges host northern breeders.
West Virginia birds that use Cardinal flower
Summer breeders (3)
Nesting season it supports in West Virginia
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 West Virginia
Native red tubular flowers timed to hummingbird arrival.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
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 West Virginia?
Yes. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is recorded as native in West Virginia. West Virginia spans USDA 5b–7a.
What birds does Cardinal flower attract in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, Cardinal flower supports 3 backyard birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole.
Does Cardinal flower help nesting birds in West Virginia?
3 of those birds nest in West Virginia: 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 — West Virginia
- 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.