Fireweed for birds in New Hampshire
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower. Native to New Hampshire, where it feeds or shelters 42 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
- Native status
- Native in New Hampshire
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
- What birds get from it
- nectar, seed
- New Hampshire birds supported
- 42
- Nesting birds among them
- 37
Growing conditions in New Hampshire
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
New Hampshire 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 species visit feeders in irruption years.
Nesting season it supports in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire?
Yes. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is recorded as native in New Hampshire. New Hampshire spans USDA 3b–6a.
What birds does Fireweed attract in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire?
37 of those birds nest in New Hampshire: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), American Goldfinch (August–September), House Finch (May–August).
Which winter birds use Fireweed in New Hampshire?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll use it in New Hampshire during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Hampshire
- 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.