Fireweed for birds in California
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to California, where it feeds or shelters 49 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in California
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–11a
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- California birds supported
- 49
- Nesting birds among them
- 47
Growing conditions in California
Mediterranean along the coast and Central Valley, alpine in the Sierra Nevada, and desert in the southeast.
Dry summers with little rain from May to October; water and summer-blooming natives matter more than extra seed.
California birds that use Fireweed
Year-round residents (35)
American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Cassin's Finch, California Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Gambel's Quail, California Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Eurasian Collared-Dove, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Mallard, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Black-throated Sparrow, Canada Goose, American Coot, Horned Lark, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (12)
Chipping Sparrow, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole, White-winged Dove, Lark Sparrow, Green-tailed Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-headed Blackbird
Winter visitors (2)
Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in.
Nesting season it supports in California
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Fireweed:
- American Goldfinch — June–September
- House Finch — March–August
- Purple Finch — April–July
- Mourning Dove — February–September
- Dark-eyed Junco — April–July
- Song Sparrow — March–August
- Chipping Sparrow — March–July
- Red-winged Blackbird — March–July
- Pine Siskin — March–June
- House Sparrow — March–August
Native plants to pair with Fireweed in California
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Frequently asked
Is Fireweed native to California?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in California. California spans USDA 5a–11a.
What birds does Fireweed attract in California?
In California, Fireweed supports 49 backyard birds, including American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow.
Does Fireweed help nesting birds in California?
47 of those birds nest in California: American Goldfinch (June–September), House Finch (March–August), Purple Finch (April–July), Mourning Dove (February–September).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in California?
Winter visitors Golden-crowned Sparrow, Lapland Longspur use it in California during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — California
- 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.