Fireweed for birds in Maine
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to Maine, where it feeds or shelters 42 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in Maine
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6b
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- Maine birds supported
- 42
- Nesting birds among them
- 37
Growing conditions in Maine
Humid continental with a long, rocky Atlantic coast and extensive northern spruce-fir forest.
Cool, short summers; many songbirds do not begin nesting until late May.
Maine birds that use Fireweed
Year-round residents (22)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Mallard, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Field Sparrow, Canada Goose, Horned Lark, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (15)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Lark Sparrow, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Bobolink, Rusty Blackbird
Winter visitors (5)
Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll
Long, snowy winters; boreal finches and Pine Grosbeaks irrupt south in poor cone years.
Nesting season it supports in Maine
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Fireweed:
- Northern Cardinal — May–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — May–July
- American Goldfinch — August–September
- House Finch — May–August
- Purple Finch — June–July
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — June–August
- Mourning Dove — April–September
- Dark-eyed Junco — June–July
- White-throated Sparrow — June–July
- Song Sparrow — May–August
Native plants to pair with Fireweed in Maine
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Frequently asked
Is Fireweed native to Maine?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in Maine. Maine spans USDA 3b–6b.
What birds does Fireweed attract in Maine?
In Maine, Fireweed supports 42 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Does Fireweed help nesting birds in Maine?
37 of those birds nest in Maine: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), American Goldfinch (August–September), House Finch (May–August).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in Maine?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll use it in Maine during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Maine
- 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.